Kritarchy

Kritarchy is rule by Judges. It was originally used to describe the government of Israel as described in the Book of Judges. It has since expanded to include rule by judges in the modern sense as seen in Somalia with its tradition of Xeer. Kritarchies tend to be highly traditional with laws interpreted based on past decisions so as to preserve their original meaning, and thus, their intent. The state tends to be just, devoted to upholding the law rather than an individuals power. Altering the law in such a state is near impossible.