Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c11.s5.10

c11.s5.10

Pleaders appeared before the courts. The lawyer's fee is 1/16 of the interests involved or, it might be 1/20, 1/40, 1/80, 1/160, etc., being smaller "in proportion as the amount of value or interest under trial increases." More than one pleader was sometimes appointed. In that case, "they are to be paid in some other way." If a pleader charged more than the appointed fee, or if he injured the interests of his client, he was to be punished. Pleaders must be versed in the law and dharma, though the test of proficiency is not given. But it will appear that pleaders were largely restricted to civil jurisdiction. At any rate we are told that there are to be no lawyers in cases of "murder, thieving, adultery, taking forbidden food, abduction, harshness, forgery, sedition, and robbery."