ABSTRACT
In this chapter, I look at the village assembly or eldik sot (people’s court) that was organized at my field site because of two different events. The power and authority of this forum is based on the territorial identity, normative expectations and obligations of people towards each other. In this context, I will analyse the social construction of el (people) and its moral institutions, such as harmony, shame and honour. This chapter also explores the extent to which people’s perception of justice and fairness differs from that enshrined in state legislation and how this is reflected in local conflict management.
