Igbo law and American law By: Ben & Cody.

Igbo law ~ when a man was afflicted with swelling in the stomach and the limbs he was not allowed to die in the house. He would be carried to the Evil Forest and left there to die. American law ~ when a man was afflicted with swelling in the stomach and the limbs he would be allowed to die in the house and would be brought to the hospital. Laws

Igbo trial & American trial

Positions and justice for the women Women had very little justice and respect in the Igbo culture Majority of women had no hand In the justice system Positions and justice for the women

Justice system in Things Fall Apart Igbo masks Problems are taken up to nine men of the tribe, who wear masks of the gods A.k.a. egwugwu Decision are based upon fairness for both/all viewpoints Example from the book: the justice system was headed by the spirits of the ancestors manifested as the elders dressed as the “egwugwu” (page 89). The masks represent the ancestral spirits of the village, who pass judgment upon the accused.

If someone kills a clansman he is exiled for seven years and all his/her belonging are to be burned If your wife gives birth to twins they must be cast out When a women dies she must be buried in her motherland If an outsider kills a member of the tribe the killer’s tribe must give them a virgin and a young man. Igbo laws and customs

American vs. Igbo Differences Similarities Both have a court system Both have laws to keep public in check Both have different punishments for various crimes Both have well respected leaders that are looked to for guidance and structure Differences The Igbo are lead by elders not elected officials like Americans Americans represent them selves or have their family testify for them The Igbo don’t have a written form of their laws All people in America have the same rights and privileges, unlike the Igbo American vs. Igbo

American flag Igbo flag