In ancient China prefects were considered to be government officials. Being recognized as such an official meant that they were appointed by local magistrates. In the major hierarchy of ancient china everyone had to report to someone; in the case of prefects they reported to local magistrates who in turn reported to their higher-ups people who were like governors, and governors would be appointed and report to the head of state, usually the emperor at that dynasty. in the prefecture system was developed in the Chu and Jin kingdoms of ancient China. in these kingdoms it was said that development of prefects and everything surrounding them took place between the periods of spring and autumn. in the Jin kingdom dozens of prefects were spread out over 'states'; each prefects having only been allowed a limited amount of authority and employment time they were to work while the new prefect came in for approximately 2-3 weeks, showing the new guy the ropes if you will, before their employment was completely disbanded. prefects were only hired or appointed for a predetermined amount of time, almost like a term -similar to a term served by a county sheriff or a president-, though this time is not specified officially in any kind of record people estimate that it may have lasted anywhere from 1-5 years per term. only high status male citizens of ancient china could become a prefect. Though the placement and ranking of woman during this time is a different topic. the sentencing and punishment in ancient china could accurately be labeled as torture. most of the 'sentencing' methods would be done without the precedence of a judge or even in or near a courtroom. many methods of punishment would be dealt with on scene of call or crime. crude punishments were common when dealing with crimes like pickpocketing, some were even preformed if the offender was caught before a prefect was present. these would include removal of limbs- mostly hands or feet-; many people who had their limbs removed in this time were ambidextrous or adapted to work with both hands in order to have a back-up if they were ever caught for something small. caning was also tolerated and quite common. taking an ornate cane -similar to a police baton- or stick and using it to beat the offender. broken bones were an easier punishment and also some of the most fast healing. some people were even stoned to death or had their heads or face bashed with rocks until the victim felt that they had been justified. prefects did not have to be present for punishment to take place nor did they have to be the ones administering said punishment. if the victim wishes to act on the need for justification towards the offender they they had every right to punish the criminal for their deeds toward them. after all they are just criminals, right? when crime was dealt