PRINCIPLES THAT LED TO FAIR DECISIONS

Though the judges selected were to be wise and capable men, they were not left to make judgments by relying on their own abilities or ingenuity. Jehovah God gave them principles or guidelines  by which they could reach decisions. Here are some directions that were given to the Israelite judges. 

Make a complete investigation.  Through Moses, God instructed Israelite judges:  "When you hear a case between  your brothers, you are to judge with righteousness." (Deuteronomy 1:16)  Judges can render a fair verdict only if they have all  the facts of a case.  For that reason God instructed those handling judicial matters:  "You should look into the matter, making a thorough investigation and inquiry."   Judges in court had to make sure that the charge in a criminal case was "confirmed to be true" before preceding. -Deuteronomy 13:14; 17:4. 

Hear the testimony of witnesses.  The statements of witnesses were vital to an investigation.  God's Law stipulated:  "No single witnesses may convict another for any error or any sin that he may commit. On the testimony of three witnesses the matter should be established.: (Deuteronomy 19:15) To the witnesses, God's Law commanded:  "You must not spread a report that is not true.  Do not cooperate with a wicked one by becoming a malicious witness." -Exodus 23:1.

Require honesty in court proceedings.  The penalty for lying in court gave pause to all involved:  "The judges will thoroughly investigate, and if the man who testified is a false witness and has brought a false charge against his brother, you should do to him just as he had schemed  to do to his brother, and you must remove what is bad from your midst." (Deuteronomy 19:18, 19) So if a man lied in court to take another's inheritance, he stood to lose an equal amount. If he lied to have someone that he knew was innocent put to death, he would forfeit his own life.  This guideline  was a strong motivation to speak the truth.  

Judge impartially.  Once they had all the available evidence, the judges deliberated to reach a verdict. At this point, an outstanding detail of God's  Law became especially important:  "You must not show partiality to the poor or show preference to the rich.  With justice you should judge your fellow man." (Leviticus 19:15)  In all cases, judges were to decide a matter on its true merits, not on the outward appearance or social position of those involved.

These principles, plainly stated centuries ago in God's Law to Israel, can still be useful in courtrooms today.  When they are followed, mistrials and miscarriages of justice can be avoided.  

Next time: Did God's Law  Authorize Revenge?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2014