According to Michael Hobby, it appears that the sons of Pahoran had a "right" to the judgment-seat by lineal descent. In following the laws instituted by Mosiah2, the people could have a voice in choosing their Chief Judge, but that "voice" was limited to choosing from among the sons of a deceased Chief Judge. The reason such care was taken by Mosiah2 during the transfer of power from kings to the judges is that the liberty of the Nephites - ultimately the church - was at risk if a Mulekite should ever consolidate the reigns of power. [Michael M. Hobby, The Mulekite Connection, p. 34]