Introduction
Since ancient time, communities devised various mechanisms to sanction member of the community who travelled against societal norms, values, customs, and traditions. Some communities sanctioned law violators through beating, hanging, stoning, and lynching, but the type punishment imposed on the victims depended on the gravity of the offense committed. However, most communities appointed a council of elders to prosecute and punish individuals who contravened societal norms, values, and traditions with the intention to enhance cohesion, integration, and unity among the members. In essence, the council of elders acted as a local criminal justice system that had the mandate and responsibility to ...
