Two sets of laws exist. One set of laws, for the samurai, is very complicated. The other set of laws, very simple. To give an idea of the simple law for the peasants, there are only two punishments for all crimes — death and imprisonment waiting for death.  On the samurai side of things, you can kill anyone that is not a samurai without warrant or cause. If you are a samurai having a bad day, killing a few peasants is a great way of relieving stress. If a member of the lower class is found with a sword it means instant death, if caught.

The lower classes work as slaves for the ruling class. Samurai makeup less that 10% of the population. Being Samurai, however, is a life of absolute obedience, continuous training, endless rituals, strictly enforced dress codes, and honor codes. If you are asked to kill yourself by a superior, there was no way out.

You cannot, not be a samurai if you were born into the family. You are trained from birth into believing that your ultimate goal in life is to die for your lord.

There is one group that falls outside of these two main categories, doctors. They serve samurai and peasants alike. They are given the privilege of carrying a single sword. They are able to step into the society, get the benefits of the society and at the same time not be a part of it. They effectively step out and live a great life.