The Law Code of Nārada m1.30

m1.30

āgamaḥ prathamaṃ kāryo vyavahārapadaṃ tataḥ /
vivitsā nirṇayaś caiva darśanaṃ syāc caturvidham //

The connection (âgama) must be examined first of all; then the title of law must be ascertained; thereupon follows the cure; and the decision comes at the end. These are the four parts of a trial.