Final answer:
The Sanhedrin made decisions through a formalized legal process with a panel of judges deliberating and interpreting the law. The Athenian reforms under Solon introduced jury courts and democratic elements into the legal system, showing an emphasis on fair judgment in the ancient times.
Step-by-step explanation:
Decisions in the Sanhedrin, the ancient Jewish court system, were made via a structured legal process involving a panel of judges. The Sanhedrin was composed of sages and priests, who would hear cases, interpret the law, and make rulings. In the time of Solon, a historical legislator of Athens, significant legal reforms were enacted, such as the cancellation of debts and the prohibition of enslaving Athenians for unpaid debts. This led to the creation of jury courts, where all Athenians could have their cases heard by a jury of peers, an innovation that could be viewed as an early form of democratic jurisprudence. The Sanhedrin's process was likely different but similarly formalized, with an emphasis on adherence to religious law and extensive deliberation before making a ruling.