What are the required etiquettes concerning the seating arrangement of the judge in the court?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Judiciary
Primary text
The judge must sit in the center of the city so as not to be distant for those seeking him. He must not appoint a doorkeeper to block people from reaching him, based on the Prophet's statement: 'Whoever is appointed over any matter of the people's affairs and puts a screen between himself and their needs, God will put a screen between Himself and his needs, want, and poverty.' The judge should sit upon something elevated, not directly on the earth or on the mosque's mat, as this diminishes his authority in the eyes of the litigants. Furthermore, his seating arrangement must face the Qibla, as the best gatherings are those facing the Qibla.
Supporting text
The use of a doorkeeper is permissible outside of the judicial session. The reason for prohibiting a doorkeeper during the session is that such a person might favor later arrivals over earlier ones for personal motives, or humiliate petitioners by restricting their access or requiring permission to enter. However, appointing a doorkeeper is permissible outside the judicial council.