THE COURT

-Situated between the Prosecution and Correction

-the centerpiece of the five pillars, as such; it performs perhaps the most important role in the
administration of justice because it is the court that everyone turns to for justice.

Historical Background:

Pre-Spanish times in the Philippines

-All trials of criminal and civil cases were in public

-The litigants in the case pleaded their own case. There were no lawyers, court clerks or stenographers.
The litigants presented their witness. Before testifying, they witnesses took an oath to tell the truth.

-Perjury was rare in the early trials,

-The barangay court decided the case in favor of the litigant who presented more proofs then the other.

In other Countries

-Ancient court of Israel during Biblical times was called “COURT AT THE GATE”

-Greece, punishment for homicide by imposing death for intentional homicide or unintentional, was
expulsion from one’s hometown.

-Roman law dealt with homicide by imposing death for international homicide and payment of blood
money to the victim’s family in case of unintentional homicide.

Inquisitional system-a judge seeks evidence against the accused or argues the states case.

1. Known Courts in England

a. Shire Courts-handle more serious offenses in shires.
b. Hundred Courts- handle minor matters in village composed of laypersons called “suitors”
and presided over by a “shire reeve”.