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The '''International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy''' is a law in the [[wizarding world]] that was first signed in [[1680s|1689]]<ref name="DH16">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Chapter 16]]''</ref>, then established officially in [[1690s|1692]].<ref name="Quidditch5">''[[Quidditch Through the Ages|Quidditch Through the Ages: Chapter 5]]''</ref> The law was laid down by the [[International Confederation of Wizards]] to safeguard the wizarding community from [[Muggle]]s, and hide its presence from the world at large.
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The '''International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy''' (also known as '''International Statute of Secrecy'''<ref name="DH16">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 16 (''Godric's Hollow'')</ref>) is a law in the [[wizarding world]] that was first signed in [[1680s|1689]]<ref name="DH16"/>, then established officially in [[1690s|1692]].<ref name="QA5">''[[Quidditch Through the Ages (real)|Quidditch Through the Ages]]'' - Chapter 5 (''Anti-Muggle Precautions'')</ref> The law was laid down by the [[International Confederation of Wizards]] to safeguard the wizarding community from [[Muggle]]s and hide its presence from the world at large.
   
 
==History==
 
==History==
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[[File:Wendelin_the_Weird.JPG|thumb|250px|right|[[Wendelin the Weird]] is burnt at the stake. Witch-burnings, and wizard persecution by [[Muggles]] in general, were a contributing factor in the introduction of the Statute.]]
 
[[File:Wendelin_the_Weird.JPG|thumb|250px|right|[[Wendelin the Weird]] is burnt at the stake. Witch-burnings, and wizard persecution by [[Muggles]] in general, were a contributing factor in the introduction of the Statute.]]
By the [[17th century|seventeenth century]], wizard-[[Muggle]] relations were at their worst. Ever since the early [[15th century|fifteenth century]], the persecution of witches and wizards gathered pace all over [[Europe]], making many in the wizarding community feel, and justifiably so, that offering to aid their [[Muggle]] neighbours with their magic was tantamount to volunteering to fetch the firewood for one's own funeral pyre: many witches and wizards were locked up and sentenced to death on the charge of witchcraft, and while some, like [[Lisette de Lapin]] in [[1420s|1422]], managed to magic their way out, others, like [[Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington|Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington]] in [[1490s|1492]], were not as lucky and were immediately stipped of their wands. Wizarding families were particularly prone to losing younger family members, whose inability to control their own magic made them noticeable, and vulnerable, to Muggle witch-hunters.<ref name="TBB">''[[The Tales of Beedle the Bard (real)|The Tales of Beedle the Bard]]'' - ''Albus Dumbledore on "''The Wizard and the Hopping Pot''"</ref>
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By the [[17th century|seventeenth century]], wizard-[[Muggle]] relations were at their worst. Ever since the early [[15th century|fifteenth century]], the persecution of witches and wizards gathered pace all over [[Europe]], making many in the wizarding community feel, and justifiably so, that offering to aid their [[Muggle]] neighbours with their magic was tantamount to volunteering to fetch the firewood for one's own funeral pyre: many witches and wizards were locked up and sentenced to death on the charge of witchcraft, and while some (such as [[Lisette de Lapin]] in [[1420s|1422]]) managed to use magic to escape, others like [[Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington|Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington]] in [[1490s|1492]] were not as lucky and were immediately stripped of their wands. Wizarding families were particularly prone to losing younger family members, whose inability to control their own magic made them noticeable, and vulnerable, to Muggle witch-hunters.<ref name="TBB">''[[The Tales of Beedle the Bard (real)|The Tales of Beedle the Bard]]'' - ''Albus Dumbledore on "''The Wizard and the Hopping Pot''"</ref>
   
The widespread persecution of wizarding children by Muggles, the escalating attempts by Muggles to force witches and wizards to perform magic for Muggle ends, the increasing efforts by Muggles to force witches and wizards to teach them magic, the growth in the numbers of witch-burnings, and the increasing numbers of Muggles being burned mistakenly as witches made it necessary for some kind of measure to be taken to face the awkward situation.<ref name="WOMBAT">First question of the Third [[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test|W.O.M.B.A.T.]] at [[J.K.Rowling Official Site|J.K. Rowling's Official Site]].</ref>
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Widespread persecution of wizarding children by Muggles, escalating attempts by Muggles to force witches and wizards to perform magic for Muggle ends and teach them magic, increasing numbers of witch-burnings, including those of Muggles mistakenly burned as witches were the catalysts for some kind of measure to be taken.<ref name="WOMBAT">First question of the Third [[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test|W.O.M.B.A.T.]] at [[J.K.Rowling Official Site|J.K. Rowling's Official Site]].</ref>
   
The newly-created [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] attempted to liaise with the Muggle King and Queen, [[William III]] and [[Mary II]] through a special Ministry Delegation, begging them for the protection of wizards under Muggle law.<ref name="WOMBAT"/> The failure of this attempt at official recognition and protection seems to have been the final precipitating event that made [[wizardkind]] voluntarily move in the opposite direction toward secrecy.
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The newly-created [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] attempted to liaise with the Muggle British Monarch (then jointly [[William III]] and [[Mary II]]) via a special Ministry Delegation, begging them for the protection of wizards under Muggle law.<ref name="WOMBAT"/> The failure of this attempt at official recognition and protection seems to have been the final straw that forced [[wizardkind]] to voluntarily move in the opposite direction toward secrecy.
  +
  +
===Enactment===
  +
{{Quote|Upon the signature of the International Statute of Secrecy in 1689, wizards went into hiding for good. It was natural, perhaps, that they formed their own small communities within a community. Many small villages and hamlets attracted several magical families, who banded together for mutual support and protection.|[[Bathilda Bagshot]], ''[[A History of Magic]]''.|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
  +
The Statute was first signed in [[1680s|1689]]<ref name="DH16"/> but it was only three years later, in [[1690s|1692]]<ref name="QA5"/> that it was officially established and effectively started to be enforced by every [[:Category:Magical governments|Ministry of Magic]].
  +
  +
The [[Malfoy family|Malfoys]] were a wealthy and influential wizarding family who, notably, fervently opposed the imposition of the Statute. Despite their espousal of [[Pure-blood supremacy|pure-blood values]] and their stong belief in wizards' superiority over [[Muggles]], the Malfoys had always drawn a sharp distinction between poor Muggles and those with wealth and authority; they had historically been associated with high-born Muggle circles, such as royalty ([[William I|William the Conqueror]] and [[Elizabeth I|Queen Elizabeth I]] being notable examples) and aristocracy, which, in part, resulted in their vast collection of Muggle treasures and works of art. Their strong opposition of the Statute was, in short, due to the fact that the law would force them to withdraw from this enjoyable sphere of social life.<ref name="PottermoreMalfoys">''[[Pottermore]]'' - ''[http://www.pottermore.com/en/book2/chapter4/moment4/the-malfoy-family The Malfoy Family]''</ref>
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  +
Once the Statute was passed into law in [[1690s|1692]], however, the Malfoys cut off all ties with Muggle families, as they realised that further opposition would distance them from the new heart of power: the newly created [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]]. They performed an abrupt volte-face, and became vocally supportive of the Statute, hotly denying that they had ever fraternised with such people, in spite of the ample evidence to the contrary that wizarding historians assert.<ref name="PottermoreMalfoys"/>
  +
  +
Now that [[Muggle]] and [[Wizardkind|wizarding]] societies were alienated, it seemed only natural for wizards to come together and create, as [[Bathilda Bagshot|Professor Bathilda Bagshot]] put it on her ''[[A History of Magic]]'', "''their own small communities within a community''". Several magical families were attracted to small villages and hamlets, where they could start their own communities, in mutual support and protection, alongside more tolerant and sometimes [[Confundus Charm|Confunded]] [[Muggle]]s. The villages of [[Tinworth]] in [[Cornwall]], [[Upper Flagley]] in [[Yorkshire]], [[Ottery St. Catchpole]] in [[Devon]], and [[Godric's Hollow]] in the [[West Country]] are a few of the most celebrated of these half-magical dwelling places whose magical communities date back to then.<ref name="DH16">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' - Chapter 16 (''Godric's Hollow'')</ref>
   
 
==Contents==
 
==Contents==
Line 17: Line 27:
   
 
===Clause 73===
 
===Clause 73===
In [[1750]], Clause 73 was added to the Statute. The Clause states:
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In [[1750]], Clause 73 was added to the Statute. The Clause states:
 
{{Quote|Each wizarding governing body will be responsible for the concealment, care and control of all magical beasts, beings, and spirits dwelling within its territory's borders. Should any such creature cause harm to, or draw the notice of, the Muggle community, that nation's wizarding governing body will be subject to discipline by the International Confederation of Wizards.|Clause 73, International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy.|Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (real)}}
 
{{Quote|Each wizarding governing body will be responsible for the concealment, care and control of all magical beasts, beings, and spirits dwelling within its territory's borders. Should any such creature cause harm to, or draw the notice of, the Muggle community, that nation's wizarding governing body will be subject to discipline by the International Confederation of Wizards.|Clause 73, International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy.|Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (real)}}
   
 
===Dress guidelines===
 
===Dress guidelines===
The Statute also includes dress guidelines for [[wizardkind|witches and wizards]] when among Muggles. The Statute states:
+
The Statute also includes dress guidelines for [[wizardkind|witches and wizards]] when among Muggles.The Statute states:
 
{{Quote|When mingling with Muggles, wizards and witches will adopt an entirely Muggle standard of dress, which will conform as closely as possible to the fashion of the day. Clothing must be appropriate to the climate, the geographical region and the occasion. Nothing self-altering or adjusting is to be worn in front of Muggles.|International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy.|Pottermore}}
 
{{Quote|When mingling with Muggles, wizards and witches will adopt an entirely Muggle standard of dress, which will conform as closely as possible to the fashion of the day. Clothing must be appropriate to the climate, the geographical region and the occasion. Nothing self-altering or adjusting is to be worn in front of Muggles.|International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy.|Pottermore}}
   
In spite of these clear instructions, clothing misdemeanours have been one of the most common infractions of the International Statute of Secrecy since its inception.<ref name="pottermore">''[[Pottermore]]''</ref>
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In spite of these clear instructions, clothing misdemeanours have been one of the most common infractions of the International Statute of Secrecy since its inception.<ref name="PottermoreClothing">''[[Pottermore]]'' - ''[http://www.pottermore.com/en/book1/chapter5/moment1/clothing Clothing]''</ref>
  +
  +
===Sports Rules===
  +
The Statute includes sports guidelines when among Muggles. Wizards and witches are strictly forbidden from taking part in Muggle Sports, yet they are allowed to support a Muggle side.
   
 
==Breaches==
 
==Breaches==
Line 33: Line 46:
   
 
Other breaches of Clause 73 include the [[Ilfracombe Incident]] in [[1930s|1932]].
 
Other breaches of Clause 73 include the [[Ilfracombe Incident]] in [[1930s|1932]].
  +
  +
Originally, [[Isobel McGonagall]] followed the Statute by concealing her magical heritage from her Muggle husband, [[Robert McGonagall Sr.]]. However, when their first daughter [[Minerva McGonagall|Minerva]] was exhibiting magical powers, Isobel was forced to break the Statute and reveal to her husband the existence of the wizarding world. This shows that wizards and witches with Muggle spouses may reveal the magical world under such circumstances. It was for this reason that Minerva refused to marry [[Dougal McGregor]], fearing to bring up her magical heritage.
   
 
==Criticism==
 
==Criticism==
 
During the 20th century, [[Carlotta Pinkstone]] famously campaigned for the repeal of the Statute and letting Muggles know about the existence of magic. She was imprisoned several times for breaching the Statute in front of Muggles.
 
During the 20th century, [[Carlotta Pinkstone]] famously campaigned for the repeal of the Statute and letting Muggles know about the existence of magic. She was imprisoned several times for breaching the Statute in front of Muggles.
 
==Behind the scenes==
 
==Behind the scenes==
*Although it is not stated, the year the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy was established is the same year as the occurrence of the Salem Witch Trials, where several men and women were accused of witchcraft, and therefore executed, which could serve as a canon staple to make the Statute validated.
+
*Although it is not stated, the year the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy was established is the same year as the occurrence of the Salem Witch Trials in which numerous people were accused of witchcraft, with nineteen hanged, which could serve as a canon staple to make the Statute validated.
  +
*On Question 11 of the Grade 1 [[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test]], this law is misspelled as "International ''Statue'' of Secrecy".
   
==Appearances ==
+
==Appearances==
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' {{Mention}}
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' {{Mention}}
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' {{Mention}}
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' {{Mention}}
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' {{Mention}}
 
*''[[Quidditch Through the Ages (real)|Quidditch Through the Ages]] ''{{Mention}}
 
*''[[Quidditch Through the Ages (real)|Quidditch Through the Ages]] ''{{Mention}}
 
*''[[Pottermore]]''
 
*''[[Pottermore]]''
  +
*''[[J. K. Rowling's Official Site]]'' {{Mention}}
   
 
==Notes and references==
 
==Notes and references==
 
{{Reflist}}
 
{{Reflist}}
   
  +
[[es:Estatuto Internacional del Secreto Mágico]]
 
[[fr:Code International du Secret Magique]]
 
[[fr:Code International du Secret Magique]]
 
[[ru:Статут о Секретности]]
 
[[ru:Статут о Секретности]]
 
[[Category:Laws]]
 
[[Category:Laws]]
  +
[[Category:Concealment]]
  +
[[Category:Wizard secrecy]]

Revision as of 21:42, 11 March 2014

The International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy (also known as International Statute of Secrecy[1]) is a law in the wizarding world that was first signed in 1689[1], then established officially in 1692.[2] The law was laid down by the International Confederation of Wizards to safeguard the wizarding community from Muggles and hide its presence from the world at large.

History

Background

"As the witch-hunts grew ever fiercer, wizarding families began to live double lives, using charms of concealment to protect themselves and their families. By the seventeenth century, any witch or wizard who chose to fraternise with Muggles became suspect, even an outcast in his or her own community."
Albus Dumbledore's notes on The Wizard and the Hopping Pot.[src]
Wendelin the Weird

Wendelin the Weird is burnt at the stake. Witch-burnings, and wizard persecution by Muggles in general, were a contributing factor in the introduction of the Statute.

By the seventeenth century, wizard-Muggle relations were at their worst. Ever since the early fifteenth century, the persecution of witches and wizards gathered pace all over Europe, making many in the wizarding community feel, and justifiably so, that offering to aid their Muggle neighbours with their magic was tantamount to volunteering to fetch the firewood for one's own funeral pyre: many witches and wizards were locked up and sentenced to death on the charge of witchcraft, and while some (such as Lisette de Lapin in 1422) managed to use magic to escape, others like Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington in 1492 were not as lucky and were immediately stripped of their wands. Wizarding families were particularly prone to losing younger family members, whose inability to control their own magic made them noticeable, and vulnerable, to Muggle witch-hunters.[3]

Widespread persecution of wizarding children by Muggles, escalating attempts by Muggles to force witches and wizards to perform magic for Muggle ends and teach them magic, increasing numbers of witch-burnings, including those of Muggles mistakenly burned as witches were the catalysts for some kind of measure to be taken.[4]

The newly-created Ministry of Magic attempted to liaise with the Muggle British Monarch (then jointly William III and Mary II) via a special Ministry Delegation, begging them for the protection of wizards under Muggle law.[4] The failure of this attempt at official recognition and protection seems to have been the final straw that forced wizardkind to voluntarily move in the opposite direction toward secrecy.

Enactment

"Upon the signature of the International Statute of Secrecy in 1689, wizards went into hiding for good. It was natural, perhaps, that they formed their own small communities within a community. Many small villages and hamlets attracted several magical families, who banded together for mutual support and protection."
Bathilda Bagshot, A History of Magic.[src]

The Statute was first signed in 1689[1] but it was only three years later, in 1692[2] that it was officially established and effectively started to be enforced by every Ministry of Magic.

The Malfoys were a wealthy and influential wizarding family who, notably, fervently opposed the imposition of the Statute. Despite their espousal of pure-blood values and their stong belief in wizards' superiority over Muggles, the Malfoys had always drawn a sharp distinction between poor Muggles and those with wealth and authority; they had historically been associated with high-born Muggle circles, such as royalty (William the Conqueror and Queen Elizabeth I being notable examples) and aristocracy, which, in part, resulted in their vast collection of Muggle treasures and works of art. Their strong opposition of the Statute was, in short, due to the fact that the law would force them to withdraw from this enjoyable sphere of social life.[5]

Once the Statute was passed into law in 1692, however, the Malfoys cut off all ties with Muggle families, as they realised that further opposition would distance them from the new heart of power: the newly created Ministry of Magic. They performed an abrupt volte-face, and became vocally supportive of the Statute, hotly denying that they had ever fraternised with such people, in spite of the ample evidence to the contrary that wizarding historians assert.[5]

Now that Muggle and wizarding societies were alienated, it seemed only natural for wizards to come together and create, as Professor Bathilda Bagshot put it on her A History of Magic, "their own small communities within a community". Several magical families were attracted to small villages and hamlets, where they could start their own communities, in mutual support and protection, alongside more tolerant and sometimes Confunded Muggles. The villages of Tinworth in Cornwall, Upper Flagley in Yorkshire, Ottery St. Catchpole in Devon, and Godric's Hollow in the West Country are a few of the most celebrated of these half-magical dwelling places whose magical communities date back to then.[1]

Contents

The Statute states that each individual Ministry of Magic is responsible for hiding the presence of the magical community in their own country. Each Ministry is held responsible for, among other things, the control of magical beasts, curbing public displays of underage magic, and ensuring that magical games and sports are played without risk of discovery.

Clause 73

In 1750, Clause 73 was added to the Statute. The Clause states:

"Each wizarding governing body will be responsible for the concealment, care and control of all magical beasts, beings, and spirits dwelling within its territory's borders. Should any such creature cause harm to, or draw the notice of, the Muggle community, that nation's wizarding governing body will be subject to discipline by the International Confederation of Wizards."
— Clause 73, International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy.[src]

Dress guidelines

The Statute also includes dress guidelines for witches and wizards when among Muggles.The Statute states:

"When mingling with Muggles, wizards and witches will adopt an entirely Muggle standard of dress, which will conform as closely as possible to the fashion of the day. Clothing must be appropriate to the climate, the geographical region and the occasion. Nothing self-altering or adjusting is to be worn in front of Muggles."
— International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy.[src]

In spite of these clear instructions, clothing misdemeanours have been one of the most common infractions of the International Statute of Secrecy since its inception.[6]

Sports Rules

The Statute includes sports guidelines when among Muggles. Wizards and witches are strictly forbidden from taking part in Muggle Sports, yet they are allowed to support a Muggle side.

Breaches

Breaches of the Statute, such as using magic in front of Muggles for no good reason, are dealt with by the relevant Ministry, with a variety of punishments available to be enforced upon the offender.

Breaches of Clause 73

Clause 73 has been breached repeatedly, with the countries of Scotland and Tibet among the worst offenders. Scotland is home to the world's largest kelpie, which is known to the Muggle world as the Loch Ness Monster, and is the subject of repeated sightings. In Tibet, the number of Yeti sightings has prompted the International Confederation of Wizards to station an International Task Force in the mountains on a permanent basis.

Other breaches of Clause 73 include the Ilfracombe Incident in 1932.

Originally, Isobel McGonagall followed the Statute by concealing her magical heritage from her Muggle husband, Robert McGonagall Sr.. However, when their first daughter Minerva was exhibiting magical powers, Isobel was forced to break the Statute and reveal to her husband the existence of the wizarding world. This shows that wizards and witches with Muggle spouses may reveal the magical world under such circumstances. It was for this reason that Minerva refused to marry Dougal McGregor, fearing to bring up her magical heritage.

Criticism

During the 20th century, Carlotta Pinkstone famously campaigned for the repeal of the Statute and letting Muggles know about the existence of magic. She was imprisoned several times for breaching the Statute in front of Muggles.

Behind the scenes

  • Although it is not stated, the year the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy was established is the same year as the occurrence of the Salem Witch Trials in which numerous people were accused of witchcraft, with nineteen hanged, which could serve as a canon staple to make the Statute validated.
  • On Question 11 of the Grade 1 Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test, this law is misspelled as "International Statue of Secrecy".

Appearances

Notes and references

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Chapter 16 (Godric's Hollow)
  2. 2.0 2.1 Quidditch Through the Ages - Chapter 5 (Anti-Muggle Precautions)
  3. The Tales of Beedle the Bard - Albus Dumbledore on "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot"
  4. 4.0 4.1 First question of the Third W.O.M.B.A.T. at J.K. Rowling's Official Site.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Pottermore - The Malfoy Family
  6. Pottermore - Clothing