“I am da Law”

[The Might]

I remembered about a very clearly defined system of laws in Middle-earth: in the Shire, after Saruman gained control of it.
The rules were very clear, and Sharkey made sure everyone knew them and respected them. Those that had the courage to oppose him suffered severe punishments such as imprisonment or physical punishments. The ruffians were pretty dangerous men, so most of the Hobbits respected the rules, but we have some accounts of some who didn't and that paid the price.
Shortly after the New Year of 3019, Lotho proclaimed himself Chief Shirriff. An ever-growing list of Rules were imposed on the Hobbits of the Shire, and those who disobeyed were sent to the Lockholes. Shirriff-houses were built in many villages and the number of Shiriffis was increased to enforce the Rules. Food and other goods were gathered for central distribution, but the Hobbits got short shrift. Beer and pipe-weed were reserved for the Chief's Men and inns were closed.
Lotho might be the victim of a capital punishment, perhaps because he also opposed Saruman once he came to the Shire and his men started destroying and burning homes, trees, and farmland...this is however unclear.