Bible Dictionary
COURTS, JUDICIAL
Judicial courts in Israel were organized in graded levels, from local judges over small groups to higher courts and ultimately Moses or the Sanhedrin. They were expected to apply God’s law impartially, protect due process, and judge without respect of persons.
Biblical Usage
Judges were required to administer God’s law without respect of persons. The legal order protected life, liberty, property, witnesses, the home, the freed person, the homestead, and limits on slavery. Under Roman rule the Sanhedrin retained broad civil and criminal authority, but capital punishment required the procurator’s consent.