Crime & Law
Crime was not common because the punishments were very harsh such as cutting a limb of or being thrown off a cliff, and the Incan government encouraged peace between its citizens. The Incas had three basic laws. They were “ama sua, ama llulla, and ama quella” or “don’t steal, don’t lie, and don’t be lazy.” Other laws addressed the punishments for rebellion, drunkenness, adultery, and homicide. Punishments ranged from mass repressions or isolation of villages for rebellion, to public scolding for minor crimes and first time offenders. Deaths by stoning, hanging, or being pushed off a cliff were common punishments for homicide, adultery, and second offence of drunkenness. This was the case because the Incas wanted to show what would happen if you did and to try to prevent further crime. If you survived the punishment you became a working criminal, or a ex-criminal who would tell their stories to earn money.