Officially, Dinotopia has no government. As a state-level society, however, this is clearly a dysfunctional system (or lack thereof). In practical terms, the elders direct the population of Dinotopia. This works much like a theocracy; the religion subscribed to is ‘being a true Dinotopian.’ It is enforced through agents of the elders called Lanternlights. They are the only ones authorized to carry weapons, and use deadly force. They can act with virtual impunity, and are only accountable to the elders and their own internal system.