Editing Customs (section)

==Monarchy and Nobility==
{{see also|Law and justice}}
In the [[Seven Kingdoms]], all authority derives from the [[King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men]],{{Ref|AGOT|20}} and his most powerful advisor serves as [[Hand of the King]]. When the king is sick, or unable to attend court sessions, the Hand can take his place and sit on the [[Iron Throne]] to dispense justice.{{Ref|AGOT|4}} Additionally, nobles are charged with keeping the [[king's peace]].{{Ref|AGOT|43}} In the king’s name, they can punish criminals.{{Ref|AGOT|1}}

It is possible for the king to redistribute lands and grant titles of nobility as he sees fit; He may also sign bills of [[w:attainder|attainder]] to strip lords of their lands and incomes.{{Ref|ASOS|72}} A lord can conceivably hold more than one title; However, it is unusual for noble holdings to be divided or combined.<Ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Land_Ownership_and_Marriage_in_Westeros/ Land Ownership and Marriage in Westeros], December 19, 1999</Ref> Younger siblings of a lord can become bannerman to their sibling, and hold a keep in his name.{{Ref|AGOT|1}} Territorial disputes between landowners are adjudicated, either by the liege lord{{Ref|TSS}} or the king or his Hand.{{Ref|AGOT|45}}

On extremely rare occasions, the lords of the kingdom may be gathered together to decide some great matter. The first of these [[Great Council]]s was convened in {{Date|101}}, when King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] found himself unable to decide on who to name his heir. The last Great Council was convened was in {{date|233}}, when King [[Maekar I Targaryen]] died without having named a new heir.{{Ref|ACOK|8}}

===Social Ranks===
:{{Main|Feudalism}}
The Seven Kingdoms is a [[feudalism|feudal society]]. Below the king and the royal family ([[House Baratheon of King's Landing]] and historically [[House Targaryen]]) rank the [[Great Houses]] (Houses [[House Arryn|Arryn]], [[House Baratheon|Baratheon of Storm's End]], [[House Greyjoy|Greyjoy]], [[House Lannister|Lannister]], [[House Martell|Martell]], [[House Stark|Stark]], [[House Tully|Tully]], and [[House Tyrell|Tyrell]]), followed by other noble houses, both greater and small, [[knight]]s (including [[landed knight]]s, [[household knight]]s, and [[hedge knight]]s), and [[smallfolk|commoners]]. Nobles are addressed as "my lord" by other highborns, or "m'lord" by the [[smallfolk]].{{Ref|ADWD|32}} Commoners might be addressed as goodwoman or goodman.{{Ref|AGOT|41}}

Every noble house has a house motto, while a [[coat of arms]] can be used by both nobility and knights as a sign of status and identification (e.g. on the battlefield). Both nobles and knights can be ransomed, so in battle it might be preferred to capture them instead of killing them. Three hundred [[currency|golden dragons]] is considered to be a fair ransom for a knight,{{Ref|ASOS|44}} whereas a nobleman’s son might be ransomed for three thousand golden dragons.{{Ref|ADWD|19}} A noble prisoner can be treated with honor and be kept in isolation in rooms as his status requires. However, making offense can result in the loss of the right for such honorable treatment. 

At feasts, great honor can be given to a guest by seating him or her on the dais,{{Ref|AGOT|29}}{{Ref|ASOS|60}} with the place of highest honor being on the right side of the host.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}{{Ref|AGOT|53}}{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}}{{Ref|ACOK|24}}{{Ref|ACOK|57}} Being seated at the far end of the hall, far from the dais, however, is regarded as a place of little honor and regard.{{Ref|ASOS|7}}{{Ref|AGOT|46}} When a lord presides over a feast, he receives first choice of all dishes. He might send some of the especially fine dishes down to specific guests, showing friendship and respect.{{Ref|ACOK|21}}