“Pahoran Did Not Hearken to Those Who Had Sent in Their Voices with Their Petitions Concerning the Altering of the Law”

Brant Gardner

Culture: This verse hints at how the process of change apparently worked among the Nephites. The only aspect resembling the “voice of the people” in this example is that those who want to change the law “had sent in their voices with their petitions,” but Mormon does not describe exactly how it works. (See “Excursus: The Voice of the People,” following Mosiah 29.) Apparently there was nothing illegal about this effort to change the law. Its supporters sent in a petition and some record of support. The petition came directly to Pahoran who unilaterally rejected it.

This point is important for those who read the system of judges as resembling American democracy. Nothing suggests that the change is put to a vote. The issue is decided, not by the entire people, but by a single man who inherited his position as chief judge. While the presentation of the petition suggests democracy, its brisk disposal suggests that a very different system was at work.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 4

References