Living with the Tribes: The Adventures of Mark and Olly Season 1 Episode 4 Justice System

Living with the Tribes: The Adventures of Mark and Olly is a popular documentary series that features two British adventurers, Mark Anstice and Olly Steeds, as they immerse themselves in different remote tribes across the globe. In the show's first season, they visit Papua New Guinea, where they are exposed to the indigenous culture of the Korowai tribe. In episode four, titled "Justice System," Mark and Olly explore the complex legal procedures and punishments that the Korowai follow for various crimes.

The episode begins with Mark and Olly discussing their suspicions of tribal warfare, and its effects on the Korowai community. They encounter a man who was beaten unconscious by his neighbour, allegedly for stealing bananas from their plantation. After helping him recover, they approach the village headman, Kalup, to learn more about the Korowai justice system. He explains that the tribe follows a set of customary laws that have been passed down for generations, adhering to the traditional beliefs of justice, fairness, and restitution.

Mark and Olly witness this system in action when they attend a village court session, presided over by Kalup and various group leaders. They learn that the Korowai have a hierarchy of punishments, depending on the severity of the crime committed. Minor offenses, such as theft or adultery, can be resolved with a fine or restitution to the victim. However, more serious crimes like murder can result in capital punishment, where the offender is beaten to death by the victim's relatives.

The hosts are taken on a tour of a "punishment house" where convicted offenders are kept until their sentences are carried out. The house is a small hut, surrounded by a fence made of woven palm fronds. Inside, there are several small cells made of bamboo mats, where offenders are locked up. Mark and Olly see that the cells are dark and cramped, with no access to water or toilet facilities. They learn that those sentenced to death are only given a small portion of food for their last meal. The hosts find the punishment house to be very harsh, but the Korowai insist that it be used to maintain peace and order in their community.

The hosts witness another case where a man is accused of stealing a pig from his neighbour. They observe how the victim presents his case with support from other villagers, who testify to the pig's ownership. The accused denies the charges and insists that he was given the pig as a gift. The court proceedings are conducted with great formality, and the hosts are engrossed in the drama of the situation.

In the end, the judges find the accused guilty and impose a restitution fine, payable to the victim. The show highlights the Korowai's principles of justice, restitution, and community accountability that govern their flimsy, but adapted, justice system. Mark and Olly are touched by the fairness of the punishments and the simplicity of the laws. They are impressed by the way the tribe has maintained their customs, despite significant challenges brought by changes in the modern way of life.

Living with the Tribes: The Adventures of Mark and Olly season 1 episode 4's "Justice System" is an enlightening and engaging show that offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of the Korowai tribe's legal system. It presents the unique challenges faced by tribes living in remote areas as well as the importance of traditions and cultural beliefs. The episode reinforces the idea that there are many ways to uphold the law and maintain order within a society.