12. Before this council, it is likewise allowed to exhibit accusations, and to prosecute capital offences. Punishments are varied according to the nature of the crime. Traitors and deserters are hung upon trees:  76 cowards, dastards,  77 and those guilty of unnatural practices,  78 are suffocated in mud under a hurdle.  79 This difference of punishment has in view the principle, that villainy should he exposed while it is punished, but turpitude concealed. The penalties annexed to slighter offences  80 are also proportioned to the delinquency. The convicts are fined in horses and cattle:  81 part of the mulct  82 goes to the king or state; part to the injured person, or his relations. In the same assemblies chiefs  83 are also elected, to administer justice through the cantons and districts. A hundred companions, chosen from the people, attended upon each of them, to assist them as well with their advice as their authority.