Mormon records Nephi’s dismay at the Gadianton control over the government. Since Gadianton goals are antithetical to the gospel, and particularly to the Nephite egalitarian ideal, Mormon describes them as “laying aside the commandments of God.” This political takeover also means that the laws no longer provide “justice unto the children of men.” The Gadianton takeover has altered the basic fabric of Nephite society.
While Mormon and Nephi certainly saw this development as calamitous and quick-acting, like a coup, the actual process had occurred over time, eventually reflecting a shift in the people’s attitudes. Although the Gadianton ascension clearly altered the balance of power, that ascension happened because a fundamental shift had correspondingly occurred about how Nephite society ought to be. The voice of the people had become the voice of the Gadiantons.