Introduction Of Jewish Bet Din, Its Kinds, And Historical Importance

By Kimberly Murray


Even many centuries ago, a legal system already came into an existence. This administered various rulings of governance and punishments as well. They served as the foundation of every judicial decisions made, even until today.

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.

Three types of courts were identified. Although the third one has no name, its nature and structure are written in this literature. The two are called Sanhedrin and Sanhedrin Katana.

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.

Sanhedrin Katana consisted of twenty three judges. These judges would gather in some of biggest cities to discuss on important legal matters and issues. Just like the most supreme court, it had the authority to regulate rulings and impose penalties which are capital, corporal, and monetary in nature.

Even small tribes or towns have courts. This was evident in areas with a population that is not more one hundred twenty. There were only three judges but you could have additional if the remaining number of them is an odd number. It is way far different from the two because in this kind of setting, a judge cannot force enforcement on death or capital punishment and corporal penalty. Only those that are monetary are allowed.

Regardless of its varied types, this legal system of judgment is basically focused on the religious living of the people under its sovereign power. Such matter is known as din Torah. This has been practiced in some communities where judgments are being made depending on a hierarchy of authority and jurisdiction as vested upon.

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.

The bottom line here is that no matter how strict it is, this is still a known instrumentality on the regulations of matters like religious life, family disputes, marriage, and the like. This all just depends on the political, economic, and social conditions of its area of jurisdiction.




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