Alma was the first chief judge and was replaced by Nephihah after serving for eight years (see Alma 4:11, 18). Nephihah served until the end of the twenty-fourth year, a period of almost sixteen years (see Alma 50:40) from the commencement of the ninth year to the end of the twenty-fourth year. The oath of office that Pahoran took as the third chief judge gives us guidelines for effective political leaders. Notice the positive emphasis on righteous judgment, peace and freedom, privilege of worship, and maintaining the cause of God (v. 39). Concentration on these matters would certainly reduce the number of wicked who needed to be brought to justice.