Until what time of day should a minor Sanhedrin hold sessions?
A minor Sanhedrin and court of three hold sessions from after the morning service until the end of the sixth hour (midday). The Supreme Sanhedrin sat from morning tamid to afternoon tamid.
Question 2
May a court complete a case that began during the day if deliberations extend into the night?
While courts cannot begin adjudicating at night, monetary cases that began during the day may be concluded at night. Capital cases may not be concluded at night.
Question 3
What is the halachic status of a judge who paid money to be appointed?
The Rambam rules that it is forbidden to stand before such a judge. The Sages commanded that he be denigrated and derided, comparing his tallit to the saddle blanket of a donkey.
Question 4
Why is it forbidden to begin adjudicating at night?
The Oral Tradition derives from Deuteronomy 21:5 an equation between adjudicating disputes and examining blemishes — just as blemishes must be examined by day, so too must judgment begin by day.
Question 5
How should judges conduct themselves while sitting in court?
The Rambam states that since the Divine Presence rests among a valid court, judges must sit in awe and fear, wrapped in tallitot, and conduct themselves with reverence. Frivolous behavior is forbidden.