Abstract: The basic feature of the binary government of the Qing dynasty was the Eight Banner organization of Bannerman (with Manchu as the main component), and the provincial system of commoners (with Han as the main component). The status of Bannerman and commoners comprised a basic social division. Previous research often has focused on the unequal legal status between the two, such as the judicial privileges of Bannermen to“change the penalty” for certain offenses. This article examines reports of capital crimes in routine memorials to the Board of Punishments that involved Bannermen and commoners, to show that the two social groups enjoyed basic equal legal status in homicide trials. The article examines six aspects adjudication: sentencing standards, the principle of“leniency and severity,” reprieves to care for parents, commutations under imperial pardons, the statute governing affrays between commoners and“mean people,” and homicide trial procedures. The author believes that examining these issues will help elucidate the conditions under which Manchus enjoyed legal privileges, and, moreover, provide the basis for a comprehensive assessment of the legal relationship between bannermen and commoners (Manchu and Han) in the Qing dynasty.