They are to be elected annually, and therefore probably for a year only, and are liable to be called to account before the guardians of the law.

In cases of which death is the penalty, the trial takes place before a special court, which is composed of the guardians of the law and of the judges of appeal.
In treating of the subject in Book ix, he proposes to leave for the most part the methods of procedure to a younger generation of legislators; the procedure in capital causes he determines himself.

He insists that the vote of the judges shall be given openly, and before they vote they are to hear speeches from the plaintiff and defendant.

They are then to take evidence in support of what has been said, and to examine witnesses.

The eldest judge is to ask his questions first, and then the second, and then the third.