ABSTRACT
In Basutoland, the family council settles or helps to settle disputes. All cases affecting family relations should be first discussed by the family. Another court is that of the mophato (initiation school). It deals primarily with offences against the rules of the initiation school but may also deal with offences, such as theft and adultery, which are contrary to the ethical code taught to initiates, committed during the existence of the mophato by men connected with the school. Yet another court is the women's court. This is presided over by the chief's senior wife, who is ipso facto the senior woman in the district and also the official head of all girls' initiation. It discusses matters affecting women and can also take disciplinary action where women misconduct themselves or break various sexual taboos.
