Well, prior to the imposition of colonial rule in various parts of the world, were there formal penalties for theft, battery or homicide?

As far as I’m aware, it very much depended on who you know, who your family or tribe is, and the power dynamics between the various groups in the territory.

It’s not as if laws and enforcement banning these actions are universal today, and they absolutely weren’t universal not that long ago.

PS don’t miss where I said… > While at the same time, it is a valid reason to not let them in.