For the source text click/tap here: Sanhedrin 5
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Our Gemara reports that there was an existing tradition in both Israel and Bavel that someone who wanted to rule as a judge would need to receive permission from the head of the community – the Resh Galuta (Exilarch) in Bavel and the Nasi in Israel.
Once such permission was granted, even if the judge erred in his decision, he would not be personally responsible for paying for the mistake.
We explore the impeachment process for judges and its historical progression from the era of judges.