[1363] When a legal question (adhikaraṇa) has arisen, if both opposing parties (atthapaccatthikā) come, the ground (vatthu) of both should be caused to be stated. Having had the ground of both stated, the statement (paṭiññā) of both parties should be heard. Having heard the statement of both, both should be told: "When this legal question of ours has been settled, will you both be satisfied?" If they say, "We both will be satisfied," the Saṅgha should accept that legal question.
If the assembly is dominated by the shameless, the legal question should be settled by a committee (ubbāhikā). If the assembly is dominated by fools, an expert in the Vinaya (vinayadhara) should be sought. By whatever Dhamma, by whatever Vinaya, by whatever instruction of the Teacher that legal question is settled, in that way should that legal question be settled.
*The grounds (vatthu) and so on should be understood.*
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.