Chapter 7

The Chief Judge

When the king does not conduct the determination of cases himself, he should then appoint a Brahmin learned in the scriptures. // K_063 //

He should be skillful, of noble lineage, impartial, not causing anxiety, steadfast, fearful of the next world, devoted to sacred law, diligent, and free from anger. // K_064 //

One who is not cruel, is sweet-tempered, affectionate, forgiving, discerning, energetic, and not greedy should be appointed by the king in a dispute. // K_065 //

One who has studied only a single scripture cannot know how to decide a case. Therefore, one who is learned in many scriptures should be appointed by kings as the best in disputes. // K_066 //

Where a Brahmin is not available, a Kshatriya should be appointed, or a Vaishya who knows the scriptures of Dharma. A Shudra should be diligently avoided. // K_067 //

A case decided by others than these is considered to be decided unjustly, even if they were appointed, and even if by chance it conforms to the scriptures. // K_068 //

He first (prāṅ) asks a question concerning a legal proceeding; and because he analyzes it, he is therefore known as the Chief Judge (prāḍvivāka). // K_069 //

If, while a matter is yet undecided, the Chief Judge converses in private with a litigant, he should be punished, and the assessors even more so. // K_070 //