Question 2223) - When a judge is appointed, what does a judge do with those prisoners whom the previous judge had detained?

A: The register of the previous judge is given to him. He will examine the cases of the prisoners. Those who confess will continue their sentences. As for those who plead innocent the word of the previous judge will not be accepted without evidence. Even if there is no evidence, the new judge will not hasten to release them. He will make an announcement and examine the case just as he will, regarding Wadi'ah and Awqaf. He will then act according to the evidence at hand or he who has them in his possession admits to them. The mere word of the previous judge will not be accepted unless the one who holds them admits that the previous judge had handed them to him, in which case his word will be accepted.

~ al-Quduri ~