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The Mishnah describes how the members of the Sanhedrin sat in a row in the shape of a half-circle in order for each person to be able to see everyone else.[1]
Why was it necessary for everyone to be able to have direct eye contact with everyone else?
Rashi explains that it is only when people have direct sight of each other that they can listen and then argue and debate with each other.
Rambam (Hilchos Sanhedrin 1:3) explains that this arrangement was used in order for the President and the Av Beis Din to be able to see everyone. Lechem Mishneh notes that this was a sign of respect for these leaders to sit in the middle and for everyone to easily be able to listen to them.
Rashi also addresses why the Sanhedrin sat in a half-circle rather than in a full circle. From a technical standpoint, the witnesses and litigants would have to have a way to enter the circle to present themselves in front of the judges .
We explore the history of the Hungarian Sanhedrin Synod in the 19th century.