Updated 2440 under authority of Matthew Marmaduke, Freeholder
I. Overview
The Marmaduke Freehold is a sovereign, land-based polity governed by hereditary authority, under the Confederated Corporation Agreement of 2123. Citizenship is not automatic, not inherited (except by formal heirship), and not interchangeable with Columbia or Family Trust status. It is a contractual, moral, and legal designation conferred by the Freeholder himself.
II. Citizenship Eligibility
- Minimum Age: 16 years old
- Residency Requirement: 1 full year of registered residency (waivable)
- Sponsorship: Must be sponsored by a current citizen in good standing
- Final Authority: Citizenship must be approved by the Freeholder
- Waivers: The Freeholder may waive age, residency, or other requirements in exceptional circumstances
- No Birthright Citizenship: Children of citizens do not inherit citizenship but are often sponsored by parents or grandparents after reaching the age of eligibility.
- Hereditary Citizenship: Reserved exclusively for named heirs of the Freeholder
III. Sponsorship Rules
- Sponsors are personally responsible for the conduct and successful integration of their nominees.
- Any violations of sponsorship obligations must be reported to Freehold authorities to remain in compliance with your own standing as a citizen.
- A sponsor should only present candidates who reflect the values, discipline, and loyalty of the Freehold
- A sponsor should only present candidates who reflect the values, discipline, and loyalty of the Freehold.
- Abuse or neglect of sponsorship responsibilities—including failure to report the actions of those you sponsor or who sponsor you—may result in loss of citizenship privileges.
IV. Residency Requirements
- All persons age 12 and older must register within 72 hours of arrival on Freehold territory.
- Registered residency grants the right to live, move, and work on Freehold and Family Trust lands (by mutual agreement).
- Residency does not confer political rights, voting privileges, or the legal protections afforded to citizens.
- Unregistered individuals are considered trespassers, regardless of species or prior status.
- When registering new spouses, long-term guests, or children present more than 72 hours, a formal interview will be conducted by assigned Freehold staff.
- For frequent guests, the interview requirement may be waived after the initial clearance.
V. Protection of Minors
- All persons under age 12 are considered under the protection of the Freeholder while on Freehold lands
- They are afforded food, shelter, and safety regardless of legal status, sponsorship, or origin
VI. Legal Distinctions
- Freehold Citizenship: Unique and sovereign; valid only within Freehold jurisdiction and where reciprocity exists
- Columbia Citizenship: Separate entity; governed by its own council and residency statutes
- Family Trust Citizenship: Based on surname and contractual ties; offers overlapping privileges, but is legally distinct
- Residency reciprocity agreements exist between these entities, but citizenships remain distinct and non-transferable.
VII. Revocation and Discipline
- The Freeholder reserves the right to revoke citizenship or residency for cause
- Sponsorship fraud, criminal activity, or violation of Freehold laws may result in removal
- Citizens and sponsors may appeal only to the Freeholder
- Those ordered to leave Freehold lands must comply immediately.
- Failure to leave upon lawful orders of the Freeholder constitutes outlaw status and may result in immediate execution at the Freeholder’s discretion, without further appeal.
- All determinations are final and non-negotiable.
VIII. Final Authority
All determinations of citizenship, residency, or protection rest solely with the Freeholder. No council, tribunal, or external party may overrule the Freeholder’s judgment within his domain.
“Citizenship in the Freehold is not a right. It is a bond of trust—earned in loyalty, held in conduct, and kept by name and deed.”
— Matthew Marmaduke, Freeholder of Missouri
