Deuteronomy 16:18-20

Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.

Judges and officers. These last meant heralds or bailiffs, employed in executing the sentence of their superiors.

In all thy gates. The gate was the place of public resort among the Israelites and other Eastern people, where business was transacted and causes decided. The Ottoman Porte derived its name from the administration of justice at its gates. But the word "gates" is evidently to be taken here in a larger sense, as equivalent to 'cities;' and, accordingly, courts of various grades for the administration of justice were established in every town. There were gradations of these tribunals-from ordinary courts to those of ultimate appeal-presided over by officers of corresponding rank and authority.