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Citizens were expected to be able to represent themselves in matters of justice.
“And the father of the young woman shall say to the elders, ‘I gave my daughter to this man to marry, and he hates her, and behold, he has accuse her of misconduct, saying “I did not find in your daughter evidence of virginity.” And yet this is the evidence of my daughter’s virginity.’ And they shall spread the cloak before the elders of the city.” Deuteronomy 19.16, 17
There was no class of lawyers in ancient Israel whose duty it was to represent citizens before the judges of the city. People were expected to know the Law of God, to understand how it operated for the sake of justice, and to be able to defend themselves or participate in the prosecution of justice, as the case required. Certainly, we might expect neighbors to take counsel with one another, as doubtless some members of the community would have a better understanding of the Law than others. Nevertheless, as is clear from the case summarized above, as well as from Ruth 4 and 1 Kings 3.16-28, when questions of justice or injustice were to be addressed to the local magistrates, one had to be ready to do his own work.
This is not to deny the validity of a calling to the law in our day. Law is a very complex matter, and arguing before a judge or jury requires a measure of skill not everyone possesses. At the same time, it is not in the interest of a just society to have a caste of lawyers who alone are informed about legal matters and proceedings. Because justice is the concern and duty of all citizens, all citizens must have some grounding in the laws of the land and be able to determine when justice is being violated.
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