Kertagosa

A trial must be conducted with the greatest dignity and restraint. There are rules for the language employed, the behavior of the participant, and the payment of trial expenses. It is interesting that court procedure resembles that of cockfights and its rules and terminology. On the appointed day the plaintiff and the defendant must appear properly dressed, with witnesses, and their cases and declarations carefully written down. An absentee or one whose case is badly stated loses his suit. The kantjas read the statements of each party and then those of the witnesses in their successive order. No one is allowed to speak unless he is addressed. Talking excessively or to loud, quarreling, or pointing at the judges is punishing by fine. When the case has been thoroughly stated, the witnesses have testified and the evidence has been produced, the judges study the statements and go into deliberation among themselves until they reach a decision.

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