Following the majority opinion in a court ruling is:
The Rambam explicitly states that following the majority is a positive Scriptural commandment derived from Exodus 23:2: 'Follow after the inclination of the many.'
Question 2
In a court of three judges, two say the defendant is liable and one says he is not. What is the ruling?
A two-to-one majority is sufficient in a court of three. The defendant is found liable in accordance with the majority opinion.
Question 3
What happens when all three judges in a court disagree — each one having a different position?
When three judges each hold a different opinion with no majority, the court adds two judges at a time until a majority position emerges.
Question 4
Must a judge who says 'I don't know' explain why he is in doubt?
A judge who says 'I don't know' is not required to explain his doubt. Only a judge who rules for one side must explain the reasoning behind his ruling.
Question 5
Does a judge who says 'I don't know' count toward the minimum number of judges needed for the court?
A judge who says 'I don't know' counts toward the quorum (the court is still valid) but does not contribute to the majority decision.