The Sanhedrin sat in a semicircle, in order that they might see one another; and two notaries stood before them, the one on the right and the other on the left, to record the pros and cons in the various processes. Rabbi Yehudah says there were three such notaries, one for the pros, one for the cons, and one to record both the pros and the cons.
Sanhedrin, fol. 36, col. 2.
The witnesses (in capital cases) were questioned on seven points, as follows:—In what Shemitah (or septennial cycle) did it occur? In which year (of the cycle)? In what month? Upon what day? At what hour? In what place? ... The more one questioned the more he was commended. (See Deut. xiii. 15; A.V., ver. 14.)
Ibid., fol. 40, col. 1.
In connection with the foregoing subject, let us string together some of the gems of forensic wisdom to be met with in the Talmud. A score or so of bona fide quotations, respecting judges, criminals and criminal punishment, and witnesses, will serve to illustrate this part of our subject.
JUDGES.
The judge, says the Scripture, who for but one hour administers justice according to true equity, is a partner, as it were, with God in His work of creation.
Shabbath, fol. 10, col. 1.
Despicable is the judge who judges for reward; yet his judgment is law, and must, as such, be respected.
Kethuboth, fol. 105, col. 1.