3. If the monarch, from press of other business, cannot adjudicate, he shall appoint a bráhmaṇ versed in the whole law, [to preside] with the judges.[45]
4. Should the judges, from partiality, from love of gain, or from fear, act in anywise contrary to law or usage;[46] each one [so acting] shall be amerced in double the value of the suit.
5. When one who is aggrieved by others, in any way contrary to law or usage, makes a representation to the monarch; this is matter for a law-suit.
6. The representation, as made by the plaintiff, is to be put in writing, in presence of the defendant; the year, month, half-month, day, names, cast, &c.,[47] being given.
7. The answer [of the defendant] to what he has heard [read] is then to be put in writing, in presence of him who made the first representation: and then the latter shall, at once, furnish a statement in writing of the proof to support what he has asserted.
8. This being established, he succeeds in his suit; otherwise, the reverse. Thus it appears, the procedure in law-suits has four steps.
9. Let not a counter-complaint be preferred until the [original] complaint is disposed of, nor let a third person [sue] him against whom a complaint is pending.[48] The statement of the cause of suit is not to be varied.[49]
10. [The defendant] may bring a counter-plaint for abusive language,[50] or personal trespass,[50] or for acts of atrocious violence.[51] On behalf of each party, a surety, competent to meet the result of the suit, shall be bound.