RAV KOOK ON Shoftim Part 2: The Wisdom in Civil Law Three Types of Courts

The Torah commands that a system of courts and police be established in every town. The Torah’s judicial system contains three levels of courts: Regular courts of three judges who deal with matters of civil law — litigation and other monetary cases (in Hebrew, dinei mamonot). Higher courts made up of 23 judges who hear cases relating to capital crimes (in Hebrew, dinei nefashot). These courts were called ‘Minor Sanhedrins.’ A supreme court consisting of 71 judges, called the ‘Great Sanhedrin.’ Located in the Temple complex in Jerusalem, this high court had two functions: (a) to clarify the law in new or unclear cases, and (b) to promulgate new decrees.