Pahoran² was the fourth chief judge of the Nephites, taking the judgment-seat around 52 B.C. after the death of his father, Pahoran¹. He was one of the sons of Pahoran¹, three of whom — Pahoran², Paanchi, and Pacumeni — contended for the judgment-seat and divided the people into three factions. Pahoran² was appointed chief judge and governor by the voice of the people (Helaman 1:3-5).
Pacumeni accepted the result and united with the voice of the people, but Paanchi and his supporters were angry, and Paanchi prepared to lead them in rebellion. He was taken, tried by the voice of the people, and condemned to death for seeking to destroy the liberty of the people (Helaman 1:6-8). His supporters then sent a man named Kishkumen to the judgment-seat, where he murdered Pahoran² as he sat upon it. Kishkumen escaped his pursuers, returned to those who had sent him, and they covenanted to conceal the murder (Helaman 1:9-12).
Pacumeni was appointed to the judgment-seat in his brother’s place (Helaman 1:13). In the following year a Lamanite army led by Coriantumr captured the city of Zarahemla; Pacumeni fled before him to the city wall and was killed there (Helaman 1:14-21).