In the year 2140, the starship Oregon left Earth's orbit to find another suitable planet to colonize. They explored space and found one with an atmosphere that closely resembled Earth. It was a smaller planet with three large continents surrounded by water. The colonists settled on the largest and called their new home Oregonia. The colonists adapted and built small towns. In time they migrated to all parts of the continent just as the early American settlers did. Four hundred years later cities lined the coastal areas, and two large metropolitan cities emerged along the outskirts of the desert. They were named New Phoenix and New Vegas. Every Oregonian year, millions of people flocked to New Phoenix to worship and pray together for enlightenment and to become better people.

The human condition, however, does not change. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The Oregonian Church became powerful and influential in almost everything. Reports of 'Elders' and 'High Priests' involved in bribery and scandals became commonplace. The Oregonia Church in New Phoenix had to take drastic action. That is when they set up the Judas Tribunal.

It was named after Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples who betrayed Jesus by kissing him on the cheek.