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Law (Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition)

Skills

Definition

Law represents your knowledge of legal codes, judicial procedures, rights, and the workings of the justice system. In Call of Cthulhu, investigators often operate at the edges of legality—trespassing, breaking and entering, carrying weapons, and tampering with evidence are common investigative activities. Knowing the law helps you understand what you can and can't do without risking arrest, how to navigate legal obstacles, and how to use the justice system as a tool. In the 1920s, laws vary significantly between jurisdictions, and understanding local ordinances, property rights, and criminal statutes can provide both protection and investigative leverage.

How it works

**Base Value**: 5% **Key Uses**: - Understanding legal rights and obligations - Navigating court procedures and bureaucracy - Identifying legal vulnerabilities and loopholes - Preparing or evaluating legal documents **Special Rules**: Law skill covers the legal system of your home jurisdiction. Foreign legal systems may require penalty dice or additional specialty. Higher success levels reveal more obscure legal precedents and loopholes.

Tips

**Build Advice**: Useful but not essential for most investigators. Very valuable when the group gets into legal trouble or needs to use the system. **Occupation Synergies**: Pairs with Persuade for courtroom arguments, Library Use for legal research, and Accounting for financial crimes investigation. **Character Concepts**: Lawyer, judge, police detective, journalist, politician, district attorney.

Frequently asked questions

Can Law help me avoid arrest?

Law helps you understand what constitutes arrest-worthy behavior and your rights if detained. It won't prevent arrest for actual crimes, but knowing the law helps you avoid accidentally breaking it and defend yourself if charged.

Is Law useful during investigations?

Yes. Law helps you access public records, understand property rights, identify who legally owns suspicious properties, and navigate bureaucratic obstacles. It's also useful for understanding what evidence is admissible.