Ancient Egypt

Men and women were considered equal under the law, and everyone had a right to court--even the slaves. 

The records of the courts we can find suggests that Ancient Egyptians had a common-sense view of things when it came to legal issues. A small group of Elders dealed with smaller cases, but the Pharaoh themself would handle the larger ones.

Punishments for small crimes included: fines, beatings, facial mutilations, or exile. 


Punishment for large crimes included: Execution. 


Punishments could extend to a criminal's family.