The Al Amarjan judicial system is somewhat different from that of many other democracies.
Most cases, civil and criminal, are tried before magistrates of the Court of Petty Matters. Though you might not guess it from the name, the “Petty Matters” court actually handles most criminal cases from jaywalking to murder, and takes on civil cases as well. Now and then an order comes down from the Bureau of Universal Justice specifying a case is to be surrendered to the Higher Court — which means the personal adjudication of Her Exaltedness. Also, any magistrate’s decisions are subject to review by Monique D’Aubainne.
Al Amarjan magistrates are allowed to take bribes, so long as they pass 57% along to the government as its share. (The magistrate’s portion is also considered taxable income.) The cut from bribes is a major source of government revenue.
Some might see this system as being terribly corrupt. The typical Al Amarjan would respond that it’s only what happens behind the scenes and between the lines in other countries; at least here you have no delusions about what you’re dealing with.