Zion's Judiciary

This semester, I am in a class on the Constitution. It is fascinating. We read several articles or amendments each week, and then discuss them in class. If nothing else, it gives me a better idea of what is in there just from reading it. I've learned a lot more about how a governmental system is formed, and the sorts of questions that must be answered by an establishing contract. We've studied elections, amendments, and judiciary licence.

At the same time, I've been studying the Pearl of Great Price. In that class, we have talked about Zion, which includes God's political kingdom on earth. The political system He has outlined is centered around family and community. Consecration will be the major economic system, and a divine King will lead the government. A judgment system, economic system, and leadership system are all planned.

The manuscript that later became section 102 in the D&C is like a constitutional statement on the judiciary system of God's kingdom. The mortal presidencies and high councils that the church needs are arranged and their appointment is laid out. Officers will be selected by revelation and the vote of the council. Within the presidency, the authority to lead is given first to the President and then to the other two presidents who preside with him, should circumstances not allow him to do so.

After establishing the top leadership, this revelation lays out how trials are to be run. The council of twelve is to present the two sides to the presidency for judgment. Each is previously assigned to the order in which they will speak so that there is an established routine. Also, to protect the accused against "insult or injustice,"half of the council will defend the accused. This half is determined by the order in which they speak. Those who draw an even number are given to the accused for their defense.

There is a lot more protocol about how the council can call a council meeting. I didn't understand how this worked. But I did gather that a council can be called wherever it is needed, so long as the high priests shall perceive the necessity of the council.

This judiciary system still functions within the church, and will, in some form, exist in God's Zion. Eventually Christ shall be the presiding president over the council. He will reign as King of the earth, and His Father will be the ultimate judge. It makes me wonder how similarly the eternal councils will function.