“Those Who Were Desirous That the Law Should Be Altered Desired That Pahoran Should No Longer Be Chief Judge Over the Land”

While Pahoran’s judgment is considered final for the land of Zarahemla, the petition’s supporters do not accept their defeat gracefully. Having failed to make the change within the system, they next foment “a warm dispute” focused on removing Pahoran from the judgment seat. This is the situation Mosiah₂ foresaw when he established the judgeship. He understood that the majority of the people would prefer good leaders, but some would not. As that dissident faction increased in numbers and popularity, a time could come when the majority would not want good leaders (good being defined as those who supported the Nephite religious and political ideals); then there would be a change (Mosiah 29:26–7).

At this point in Nephite history, this division of opinions is reaching a critical mass but has not yet broken out into open fighting.