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Ferengi Trade By-laws

Quark reading the by-laws

The Ferengi Trade By-Laws were the codified code of conduct for Ferengi engaging in commerce within the Ferengi Alliance and, to an unknown extent, with other species.

Unlike the Rules of Acquisition, the By-Laws were very much a legal code. While the Rules were intended to be a philosophical guide to the acquisition of wealth, the By-Laws regulated commerce through strict rules on taxes and trade, as well as ensuring that all business conducted by Ferengi adhered to traditional cultural values. The By-Laws prohibited the forming of unions and any form of commerce with Ferengi females, among other things. However, there was apparently no prohibition on trade with non-Ferengi females. (DS9: "Bar Association", "Family Business", "Ferengi Love Songs")

The By-Laws were strictly enforced by the liquidators, agents of the Ferengi Commerce Authority. Violation of these laws could result in severe fines, or even the revoking of a Ferengi's rights to conduct business with anyone associated with the Alliance.

Section 105, Sub-Paragraph 10 of the By-Laws, which pertained to the Ferengi Attainment Ceremony, stated that "adult Ferengi males must purchase an apprenticeship from a suitable role model." Upon citing this section of the By-Laws, Nog chose to be Benjamin Sisko's apprentice, and to be the first Ferengi in Starfleet. (DS9: "Heart of Stone")

Sub-section 1027, Paragraph 3 of the By-Laws defined the obligation of a Ferengi regarding improper supervision of a family member. Quark was charged by Liquidator Brunt for violating this section of the By-Laws due to the criminal activities conducted by Ishka, namely, earning profit. (DS9: "Family Business")

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