Answer:
It was harsh but sometimes fair. Their system of laws dictated precise retribution, "or "an eye for an eye" for lesser crimes. If you do someone wrong, expect the same to be done to you. If you broke someones bone, you would have YOUR bone broken. However for capital crimes, there were bizarre and gruesome punishments. If 2 people were seen committing incest, they were burned alive. If a boy hit his father, his hands would be chopped off. So yes they were pretty harsh but sometimes it was okay.