Was God's Law to Israel Just and Fair?

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 correct 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 investigation and inquiry."  "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 proceeding. -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 witness may convict another for any error or sin that he may commit. On the testimony of two witnesses or 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 become 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 should stand 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 indifference 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 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. Whey they are followed, mistrials and miscarriages of justice can be avoided. 

Next time: Was God's Law to Israel Just and Fair?/ THE PEOPLE WHO BENEFITED FROM TRUE JUSTICE

From the jw.org publications