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The document discusses the concept of justice as portrayed in the Old Testament laws and its influence on modern judicial systems. It highlights the biblical definition of justice as fairness and righteousness, supported by various philosophical interpretations from thinkers like Hobbes, Locke, and Kant. The Old Testament's emphasis on retribution and protection of the vulnerable continues to shape contemporary discussions on morality, equality, and legal principles.

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The document discusses the concept of justice as portrayed in the Old Testament laws and its influence on modern judicial systems. It highlights the biblical definition of justice as fairness and righteousness, supported by various philosophical interpretations from thinkers like Hobbes, Locke, and Kant. The Old Testament's emphasis on retribution and protection of the vulnerable continues to shape contemporary discussions on morality, equality, and legal principles.

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ASSIGNMENT DONE IN PARTIAL COMPLETION OF

COURSE REQUIREMENT IN OLD TESTAMENT MORAL AND


CIVIL LAW

NAME: GROUP 4 PROJECT


COURSE TITLE:OLD TESTAMENT MORAL AMD CIVIL LAW
COURSE CODE: BUPUL120
LEVEL:100
LECTURERS NAME: PASTOR ADEOTI FATAI
QUESTION:
DISCUSS ThE CONCEPT OF JUSTICE IN RELATION TO OLD TESTAMENT
LAWS AND ITS IMPACT ON PRESENT DAy JUDICIAL SySTEM

WhAT IS JUSTICE AND ITS RELATIONS


Justice can be seen as the impartial and fair treatment of individuals
ensuring that their rights are upheld and there is no reason for seeking of redress.
It can also be defined as ones’ capability to uphold equality and fairness. In biblical
sense it can be seen as the pursuit for righteousness and fairness in accordance
with God’s will and commands. Micah 6:8 says that “he has shown you, O mortal,
what is good. And what does the lord require of you? To act justly and to love
mercy and to walk humbly with your God” Justice was portrayed in the old
testaments as well as this verse encourages them to follow the path of equality
and impartiality which in a whole stand for justice.
Justice is carried out in a particular system. The system varies and depends
on the particular time period. Nowadays the justice system encompasses the
various networks, laws, institutions, laws and processes that work together to
uphold justice which embodies the judiciary, law enforcement agencies and
correction and rehabilitation but back in the days of the old testaments they
practiced their own system of justice. The justice system in the old testaments
started with the foundation of Torah which are the first five books of the bible
which contains several laws given by God to the Israelites which are embodied in
the ten commandments. These laws focus on concepts like fairness, retribution
and community welfare. Justice was seen as way to abide by the laws made by
God. Many great law philosophers viewed justice in relation to the old testaments
from their various point of views and some include;

• ThOMAS hOBBES (1588-1679);


He saw the old testaments as a foundation for natural law and justice and
believed that the covenant between God and the Israelites demonstrated the
social and contact theory. In the old testaments justice was seen as a means of
maintain peace and order.

• JOhN LOCkE (1632-1704)


He viewed the old testaments as a source of the natural law principles and saw
the ten commandments as the moral foundation of justice. He as well believed
property rights as described in the old testaments were essential for justice.

• IMMANUEL kANT (1724-1804)


He interpreted the old testaments moral laws as universal and objective and saw
the ten commandments as categorical imperatives and believed justice required
respecting individual dignity as created by God.
The view of justice in relation to old testaments vary as seen above but what they
have in common is that they all have shaped the western philosophical thought
and influenced ideas on natural laws, social contract, human dignity.
Justice was carried out in the old testaments by retributions which were
seen as the just and proportional consequences of wrong doing whether through
direct punishment or reinstitution. Many laws focused on retribution mostly with
the principle of “AN EYE FOR AN EYE” Exodus 21:24 “Eye for an eye, tooth for a
tooth hand for a hand foot for a foot” It aimed at ensuring proportional
punishments as it was emphasized to secure balance in the society. Although it
caused many critiques then and now when used to make references.
Justice was carried out in the old testaments in the following illustrations;

• GENESIS 6;13-22: In this chapter it is buttressed that the heart of man


had become wicked and they only had thoughts of wickedness. The lord
was upset and grieved for his creation of men on earth so he decided to
punish them creating a flood that would cause the end of their lifespan.
This is an illustration of justice in relation to what Thomas hobbes said
“justice in those days were seen as a means of maintaining peace and
order” so with this Gods judgement on wicked humanity which was known
as Noah’s flood.

• ExODUS 22:22-24:
In this chapters they aimed at protecting the vulnerable and retribution was
issued if they had caused them to cry which was death and their various
wives being widows and their fathers being fatherless. This stood for
impartiality and fair treatment which justice stands for.

• DEUTERONOMy 15; 1-11:


In this chapters we can see that the vulnerable as well are being protected.
As their freedom is being fought for. The slaves were to be released and
they were to be paid their debt of seven years. He stood for justice as he
fought for the fair treatment and equality of everyone including the slaves.

Justice was seen as a means of maintaining divine authority those days.


The justice system will continue to shape moral discussions in the society
particularly regarding equality and fairness, it as well served as a mode of
reference in the modern day aspects of justice. Many contemporary legal
system are influenced in the old testaments principles.
In conclusion, The old testament laws provided a foundational
understanding of justice that reasonates in todays ethical legal and social
discussions bridging ancient principles with contemporary values.

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