The Political Institutions and Theories of the Hindus: A Study in Comparative Politics c10.s4.t2.4

c10.s4.t2.4

In Hindu thought merchants³ appear to have been in high demand as qualified to serve on the jury. Their strong commonsense was evidently their chief merit, or perhaps they were likely to have legal knowledge. In the *Śukra-nîti* even the audience at a court of justice is regarded as part of the jury. In regard to the man who happens to know the law we are told that "one can speak, whether appointed or not, because he speaks the voice of God who knows the law".⁴ And we are also asked to entertain respect for the layman's commonsense view of the case. For, an extremely radical view is adumbrated by Śukra when he declares that "either one should not come to the court or should speak truthfully. That man is a sinner who keeps silence or utters falsehood".⁵