11. Judicial procedures at this time were simple and straightforward.

They involved only a few steps, starting with listening to the case, then establishing proof and evidence, issuing the verdict, and finally, carrying out the verdict. Attention was paid to the etiquette of judging so as to protect the weak, support those who had been wronged, ensure equal treatment of disputants, establish the truth and implement Sbaria laws for all people, even if the ruling went against the caliph, amir or govemor. In most cases, the judge would carry out the rulings himself, if other parties involved would not do so willingly. The ruling would be carried out immediately after issuing the verdict. However, it seems that at the time of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, many new procedures and organisational details were introduced. Scribes for judges were introduced at the time of 'Umar (&); the police and helpers for the judge and govemor appeared at the time of 'Uthiin (&); and this system of criminal investigation developed at the time of 'Ali (&), when he separated the witnesses in order to find out the truth. This method became an example to be f~llowed?~

Xli ibn Abi Trilib 2.3. The most famous judges of Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Ali ibn Abi T2ib (&) Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Ali ibn Abi Taib (&) retained some of the judges who had demonstrated their high calibre and had been appointed to that post before his caliphate, and he appointed some other judges and governors,27 including tbe following: