Mormon reminds us, in verse 1, that the Gadiantons had taken over the government. The Gadiantons who were passing by were judges. As judges, they were supposed to be caring for the enforcement of law, but apparently the Gadianton influence had changed some of the laws that had been instituted in Mosiah’s time.
Verse 4 confirms that, while the Gadiantons had increased in influence and power, there were still divisions among the people. Previously, the divisions had allowed the voice of the people to support the Nephite traditions. Now it appears that the voice of the people had shifted. Still, it was not unanimous. The judges feared to apprehend Nephi “for they feared the people lest they should cry out against them.” There were still many who supported the traditional Nephite ideals.