Consider the following statements regarding the specialized judicial officials of the Vajjis documented in Pali chronicles:
1. The Vinicchaya Mahamatta functioned as the initial investigatory magistrate who examined criminal acts.
2. The Voharikas operated as expert jurists who analyzed the legal customs and precedents before passing the case upward.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Question

Accepted Answer

Both statements are correct. The Ashtakulaka legal system of the Vajji republic was highly structured. A criminal case was first investigated by the Vinicchaya Mahamatta. If guilt was suspected, it was passed to the Voharikas who evaluated customary legal precedents. The case then moved through multiple tiers up to the king, ensuring individual liberty.

Answer

Answer