Except for prisoners of war, a community member who was guilty of a crime was never imprisoned. Justice was administered by the chief or elders; they had a way of resolving the problem. A person convicted of an evil action had to pay tribute to his victim or the family of the victim. Offerings to the victim and family were greater in value when the crime was severe. The offender could be forced to hand over items such as a canoe or knife, in order to receive forgiveness from his victim. The murder of a member of the clan or tribe was the most serious offense; it could mean exclusion and banishment of the offender. The death penalty was generally more common among prisoners of war. However, often captives were integrated and became an active part of the community.
