I think this is a pretty big issue, considering 1) new security officers are misled heavily as they enforce it religiously, and 2) security players are, in some circumstances, noted or bwoinked for the overzealous enforcement of spacelaw (viewtopic.php?f=34&t=30236).
However, I don't believe it is best used only as an RP suggestion. Security, especially on LRP, are in the unique position where they are allowed, and sometimes even expected, to execute nonantagonists for certain crimes. It is extremely important it is clear what they are allowed to execute for, and Spacelaw is the only place where this is explicitly listed.
Moreover, enforcing Spacelaw is recommended as Standard Operating Procedure for security:
Standard Operating Procedure, unlike Spacelaw, is something security players are expected to follow closely and may receive bwoinks for departing from. One conflict this creates is that SoP states you should not execute for capital offenses if the player is already detained, whereas Spacelaw opens this up as a valid option (and justifiably so, especially on LRP)."You are an enforcer of Space Law, you're not The Law."
Whether or not Spacelaw is merely an RP suggestion, a player should ideally be able to enforce it as security without being bwoinked, and without being shitsec for doing so. Because of this I believe Spacelaw, especially for LRP players, should have some guidelines for security around its enforcement in SoP.
I've written some that I think could be helpful below. The reasoning is spoiler'd below each for space reasons.
[Note: these are intended as guidelines for the enforcement of Spacelaw as security, not parts of Spacelaw themselves.]
- "Minor" and "Medium" crimes are best disregarded on LRP servers unless they create a legitimate threat, grief, or harm.
Spoiler:
- Ignore lesser crimes if a threat of greater severity is on the station (i.e., blob, xenomorphs, nuclear operatives, cultists, etc.).
Spoiler:
- If a fight is consensual, it does not need to be broken up or arrested for.
Spoiler:
- You can only execute players who have committed capital crimes, repeated major crimes, or are confirmed to be antagonists. This should only be done if the evidence against them is rock-solid.
Spoiler:
- If you depart from the Standard Operating Procedures (viz., using lethal force where not explicitly required to), you void your meta-protections and may face administrative action if deemed to violate Rule 1.
Spoiler: