[ Rules on Jedi, Jedi on Wookieepedia ]
See also: Force
A Jedi is a member of the Jedi Order, who studies, serves and used the mystical energies of the Force. The Jedi pride themselves in being the guardians of peace and justice and are generally respected, if not for their intentions, then at least for their power. The Force provides the Jedi with abilities far beyond that of normal sentients, even to the point of bending the normal physical laws of the universe.
The Jedi were closely involved in the rebuilding of galactic order after the times of chaos and specifically involved themselves in building the Union. As such, they hold a special place within the Union and benefit from certain laws.
For example, Jedi are allowed to carry their lightsabers in Unity City, which normally restricts the carrying of weapons and even in the Senate building. The main Jedi Temple where the Jedi Council meets is in Unity City. Additionally, Jedi get a lot of legal leeway to resolve conflicts, solve problems and even use violence in their missions. As a general rule they are not tried by the regular legal system but by the Jedi Council, similar to how soldiers committing crimes are investigated by Military Police rather than regular police.
The Jedi Council keeps close ties with the Core Worlds and the Senate. Many of their missions are in the direct interest of the Union and Union worlds sponsor individual Jedi, paying for their training. In return, these Jedi tend to the interests of those worlds specifically, so long as these do not conflict with the Union itself.
For example, a Jedi might get involved investigating an accident on their sponsor world (often their homeworld) or chasing a criminal who operated on that world or guard one of their officials, but they would not run espionage on another Union world for them.
Since they work so closely with the Senate, the Jedi have a clearly established link with the Union. As such, Jedi are seen as Union operatives outside the Union, which means local security will keep a very close eye on them and arrest them at the first opportunity - foreign operatives are not very welcome.
Jedi come to be Jedi in three different ways: they may be adopted, they may volunteer and they may be found and converted.
Many Jedi are recognised as Force Sensitive at a young age and are adopted by the Jedi in whatever form is common for their race. Besides training in the Force and the ways of the Jedi, these younglings are given regular schooling and education.
Sometimes, especially from worlds not previously part of the Union, Force Sensitive individuals may volunteer to become Jedi, either contacting a Jedi, visiting a local temple or even traveling to Unity City to apply there. Called potentials, those who volunteer are meticulously tested and have extensive background checks done.
Finally, on rare occasions, Jedi may encounter a Force Sensitive on their travels who may have had little or no knowledge of the Jedi or even of their own abilities. These might be converted and recruited like other volunteers.
In all cases, joining is voluntary. Jedi are free to leave the organisation if they please, though very few actually do. There are no laws against being Force Sensitive so there is no obligation to join the Jedi Council. In fact, several other organisations work with Force Sensitive individuals like the Jedi do.
The Jedi order holds different ranks for its members, to denote the level of skill possessed by the individual Jedi. Besides these ranks, various Jedi sub-groups exist, with focus in a particular area. These may offer additional titles to the Jedi, which are held in addition to their regular Jedi rank.
Advancing in to Knight rank is a big deal and is always preceded by several difficult tests the Jedi must pass before they can advance.
The ranks are as follows:
The most basic rank, these are often still children, being taught the basics tenants and workings of the force, besides their regular education.
Assigned to a Knight or Master, the Padawans are still learning, but go on missions for the Jedi Council.
After completing their trading, Jedi become Knights. They may serve a Master Jedi or they serve the Council directly. Some choose to retire at this stage. Jedi Knights can take on Padawan learners.
A Jedi Master has not only completed their training but has advanced to the highest level and is now a member of the Jedi Council. Jedi Master can assign lower ranking Jedi to missions.
The Jedi follow a simple code of conduct.
Emotion, yet peace. Ignorance, yet knowledge. Passion, yet serenity. Chaos, yet harmony. Death, yet the Force.
This is a left over from before the times of chaos. Due to the vagueness of the code not all Jedi have the same interpretation of the code and how they should live by it.
A part of the Jedi, in the Jedi Order, believe the colour of a lightsaber has a certain meaning and tells something about the user of the saber. These meanings aren't absolute, as some Jedi pick the colour for their saber for it's aesthetic value or personal preference.
The Jedi Order is a religious organization behind the Jedi. The Jedi Order is led by the Jedi Council, which is formed by the Jedi Masters. The Order promotes the ideals of peace, justice and order. In practice the Jedi Order is closely aligned with the Union, and it was instrumental in its founding.
Members of the Jedi Order (called Jedi) are all Force Sensitive and the order provides extensive training in the use of the Force. As a result, Jedi are amongst the most capable in manipulating the Force and using Force Powers.
see Jedi Council
As an organization, the Jedi Order has certain assets to its disposal.
The Jedi Council consists of the 20 Jedi Masters. The rest of the organization consist of 50 Jedi Knights, 250 Jedi Padawan, a large number of Jedi Initiates. Employed by the Jedi Order are a large amount of non-force sensitive people that perform support tasks like cleaning, maintenance and cooking.
The Jedi Order is mostly financed by the Union, but some Jedi are sponsored by Union Members or other wealthy patrons. This means The Jedi have a very substantial budget at their disposal.
Material assets of the Jedi Include several star ships, the Jedi Temple with its training complexes, several private hangars for ships and storage. All these buildings take up an area the size of a small city. Any additional materials are provided by the Union if necessary.