They hear all that can be elicited from parties, accuser, accused, and witnesses, and all that skilled advocates can say.

Then the secretary of the Court draws up a summary of the case, each judge takes it home to consider, each writes out his judgment, which is read by the secretary, none but the author knowing whose it is.

If the majority be five to two, judgment is given; if less, the case is tried again before a higher tribunal of twice as many judges.

If no decision can be reached, the accused is acquitted for the time, or, in a civil dispute, a compromise is imposed.

The rulers cannot, without incurring such general anger as would be fatal to their power, disregard our fundamental laws.