Murder and treason were compounded, and a fine set for every offence.

Forfeiture for felony was incurred only by those that fled.

The punishment with death was very rare,--with torture unknown.

In all ancient nations, the punishment of crimes was in the family injured by them, particularly in case of murder.[70] This brought deadly feuds amongst the people, which, in the German nations particularly, subsisted through several generations.

But as a fruitless revenge could answer little purpose to the parties injured and was ruinous to the public peace, by the interposal of good offices they were prevailed upon to accept some composition in lieu of the blood of the aggressor, and peace was restored.