What is a kritarchy?

A kritarchy is a form of governance where judges or a judiciary hold the primary power, making legal decisions that effectively become the ruling authority. This system is characterized by the absence of a formal legislative body, with laws often derived from customary practices or religious texts. In a kritarchy, the emphasis is on the interpretation and application of law by judges, leading to a system where judicial decisions shape the political and social landscape. Historically, this concept has been associated with certain ancient societies, including some interpretations of biblical Israel.