Introduction To The Facts, Kinds, And Historical Essence Of Jewish Bet Din

By Kimberly Murray


Many years ago, there was already such thing as laws, judgment, or anything which pertains to the legal system. Different provisions and penalties were regulated by authorized people. Until today, these provisions and the legal system itself have become the ultimate basis of judicial decision making.

The greatest house of law was first known to be composed of a group of wise men who would gather together in a holy hill. This was known as the Jewish bet din or sometimes spelled out as beth din. It was known to be the supreme and highest authority in both religious and civil matters not just in the holy capital city but in a nation as a whole.

During the old times, there was a convoluted series of courts. They have three known types. The first two are the Sanhedrin and Sanhedrin Ketana. There is no specific name for the third one but this article provides a description of it.

Sanhedrin is known as the highest form of court. As written earlier, it was composed of a large group of wise men called the sage who had meetings on a holy mount. The seventy one wise men took over the court until a religious leader and prophet wooed them to join him in governing the whole nation. Thus, he became their leader who is authorized to make a final judgment on specific legal matters. As years went by, a nasi was appointed to replace him and acted as a leader of a group.

The little version of Sanhedrin is the one next to the first type. Twenty judges are composing it. The largest cities have been the meeting place of these judges who would come from different courts. This was done to discuss on the important matters related to enforcement of rules and regulations and policies. Monetary and corporal penalties can be imposed. Just like the higher form, these courts can even impose death penalties, if ever there is a very grave violence.

The smaller cities or villages were composed of mainly one hundred twenty men or less, most of which are adults. These, on the other hand, had the smallest courts that comprised of three judges. They could be more than three if the number of remaining ones is odd. Their judges, however, were not allowed to impose monetary punishments but not on corporal and capital types.

Yes, they are many types of them. Regardless of this fact, this kind of judicial system is more on the religious practices of a population that it governs. These matters of litigations were better known for them as dine Torah. These are a basis for decision and judgment that have been applied in other communities. However, whatever decisions are made, these are also based on varying degrees of authority and a kind of jurisdiction they were having on that community.

Today, the competent rabbinic scholars took over this house of legal affairs and judgment. They are the reason why this still exists. Under their supervision, they make formal decision and judgment on different issues and concerns that may impact the Jewish populace. Such issues include those that are related, but not limited, to divorce.

Although it has lots of actions that restrict a particular action or event, this is still regarded as one of essential constituents on the regulation of way of life, whether personal, religious, or marital in kind. Resolving disputes are also part of its function. Their viability on a community depends on the factors, whether social, political or even economic.




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