The Gypsy court — how does it differ from the secular one

Gypsies came to Europe in the XV century, and from the first years they showed their independence. Back in 1432, the Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund issued a letter to the Gypsy leader Ladislav, in which he allowed to punish and pardon the guilty.

Nowadays, nomadic people continue to live in isolation from the rest of society and the state. He also had his own court, which was not recognized and did not obey the secular authorities.

Gypsies are a heterogeneous people. It is divided into many groups, united by ethical origin and country of residence. For example, "luli" live in Central Asia, "kale" in Southern Europe and Latin America, "sinti" in Western Europe and Scandinavia, "Roma" in Eastern Europe.

Nomads are divided into groups not only by the place of origin of their ancestors, but also by the method of earning. Lovari — traded horses (and stole them), kotlyars — repaired boilers and other metal utensils, ursars — trained bears and performed at fairs.

Most Gypsies live closed and adhere to their own laws. And where there is a law, there will be its own court. Nomads call it "Romano sando", "chris" or simply "gathering".

The gypsy and secular courts differ in their idea. The civil judge relies on the "dry" law and must punish the defendant to the full extent of his severity. The Gypsy judge first of all tries to find consensus and measure all sides of the conflict. This is done through the Gypsy principles of justice. Depending on the complexity of the case, from 3 to 25 people from among the most defendants and the most respected members of the community participate in the process.

The Gypsies themselves call these people "krisatori" and only a man can become them, the head of a family who already has adult children. If necessary, they invite reputable people from neighboring or related clans. The trial lasts until a decision is made, for which all judges, without exception, must vote. The most frequent sentence is monetary compensation from one side to the other.

If the culprit has no money, then his next of kin must pay the fine. It is forbidden to execute a criminal. The most terrible thing that can wait for a gypsy is expulsion from the community.

Officially, the Crisatori court is not recognized by anyone, but it is influential in countries with large Roma communities. In Bulgaria, there is a "Big Gypsy Court", and in Romania, the "European Committee of Gypsy Chrisatori" has been operating for 10 years, which includes fifteen hundred judges.

The way of life of Gypsies is strikingly different from ours in gender issues. And their women, although they look quite liberated, have practically no rights in the camp.