1Before the council it is also permitted to bring accusations and to press a capital charge. 1Punishments are distinguished according to the offence: traitors and deserters they hang from trees, cowards, shirkers of war and those who disgrace their bodies they plunge in the mud of a marsh, with a hurdle thrown over them. 2The difference in punishment looks to this principle, that crimes ought to be displayed while they are punished, but deeds of shame hidden away. 2But for lighter offences too the penalty is in proportion: those convicted are fined a number of horses and cattle. 2Part of the fine is paid to the king or the state, part to the man himself who is avenged or to his relatives.
3In these same councils chiefs are also elected, who administer justice through the districts and villages; 3each has a hundred companions from the common people at his side, to give him counsel and authority alike.