Aztec Law
The Aztecs had a rather complex code of law. There were numerous laws. In fact, law governed basically every aspect of the person's life from birth to death. It included laws against stealing, murder, drunkenness, property damage. It also covered criminal behavior, divorce and land ownership. Although the laws applied to the whole empire, they still varied from place to place. The law was designed to protect the class system that dominated the empire. A system of courts and judges determined guilt and punishments. They had different levels of courts all the way up to a supreme court. Citizens could appeal rulings to a higher court if they did not agree with the judge. The Aztecs had three types of Law Courts: local courts, the Teccalco court in Tenochtitlan, and the High Courts at the Emperor’s palace. Minor cases were dealt in the local courts with senior warriors acted as judges while the Teccalco court dealt with the more serious crimes and were led by more experienced judges. The most serious cases and cases involving nobles were heard by the High Courts at the Emperor’s palace.