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Bible > Topics

COURTS OF JUSTICE

Torrey's New Topical Textbook

Have authority from God

Re-established by Jehoshaphat

Re-established by Ezra

Generally held in the morning

Sometimes held in synagogues

Both the accusers and accused required to appear before

False witnesses in to receive the punishment of the accused

Corruption and bribery often practised in

SUPERIOR COURT

Held first by Moses alone in the wilderness

Consisted subsequently of priests and Levites

Presided over by the governor or the high priest

Held at the seat of government

Decided on all appeals and difficult cases

Decisions of, conclusive

INFERIOR COURT

In all cities

Held at the gates

Judges of, appointed by the governor

All minor cases decided by

All transfers of property made before

SANHEDRIM OR COURT OF THE SEVENTY

Probably derived from the seventy elders appointed by Moses

Mentioned in the latter part of sacred history

Consisted of chief priest, &c

Presided over by high priest

Sat in high priest's palace

OF THE ROMANS IN JUDEA

Presided over by the governor or deputy

Place of, called the hall of judgment

Never interfered in any dispute about minor matters or about religion

Could alone award death

Never examined their own citizens by torture

Appeals from, made to the emperor

PROVIDED WITH

Judges

Officers

Tormentors or executioners

JUDGES OF

Called elders

Called magistrates

Rode often on white asses

To judge righteously

To judge without respect of persons

To investigate every case

Not to take bribes

To judge as for God

To decide according to the law

To promote peace

Sat on the judgment-seat while hearing causes

Examined the parties

Conferred together before giving judgment

Pronounced the judgment of the court

CAUSES IN, WERE OPENED BY

The complainant

An advocate

THE ACCUSED

Stood before the judge

Permitted to plead their own cause

Might have advocates

Exhorted to confess

Examined on oath

Sometimes examined by torture

Sometimes treated with insult

The evidence of two or more witnesses required in

Witnesses sometimes laid their hands on the criminal's head before punishment

THE JUDGMENT OF

Not given till accused was heard

Recorded in writing

Immediately executed

Witnesses first to execute

Allusions to

Illustrative of the last judgment