Absolute power for Judges is easy to corrupt, capture and control. Sanatana dharma never believed in it. Even in states where Kingship was in practice, Nyaya was always considered sacred duty, and decisions were taken by group of local tribes.
Pratap Sinha, chatrapati raja reigned from 1808-1839 AD in Satara. Fall of Peshwa took place in the year 1818. Pratap Sinha’s reign coincided with British administration in Mumbai. He studied old customs, dharma shashtra(s) and compiled them in a YADI.
Accoding to Nyayadhish chapter of his Yadi, efforts should be made for amicable settlements through proper exertion of neighbours(peers) and panchayet & peers.
Selection of Panchayet & Jury is not known, however who were included in Panch is clear from this reference
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B7R8KcZtJUs3V3RwdG44enZQUW8
Also, please note the point that MAHAR, who is considered as low caste, were assisting Panchayet, as peers or part of Jury.
When education is compatible with dharma, it is easy to implement Jury trials in Bharat. Unfortunately, under present education system and society, we cannot implement it. However,it is important to know about better judiciary practice.
Book: Bharat Itihas Sanshodhak Mandal, 3rd Vol by Bhaskar Vaman Bhat
