Faith & Reason Nexus

Under Hebrew law, the system of justice held high standards for evidence and testimony, especially in criminal cases. The structure was designed to ensure fairness and prevent wrongful accusations.

False Witnesses

• Penalty: False witnesses were to suffer the same punishment they attempted to inflict on the accused.
• Scriptural Basis: Deuteronomy 19:16-21 emphasizes this principle, ensuring justice and discouraging dishonesty in testimony.

Key Principles of Hebrew Law

1. Hearsay Evidence:
   • Completely irrelevant. Only direct, firsthand testimony was admissible.
2. Written Evidence:
   • Not accepted in criminal cases. All testimony had to be oral.
   • Scriptural Basis: Numbers 35:30 – “Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses…”

Three Kinds of Oral Testimony

1. Vain Testimony:
   • Definition: Testimony that is outright unacceptable.
   • Status: Permanently rejected, regardless of circumstances.
   • Examples: Contradictory statements, unreliable sources, or irrelevant claims.
2. Standing Testimony:
   • Definition: Testimony that is conditionally accepted.
   • Requirement: Must be confirmed or corroborated by additional evidence or witnesses as required by law.
   • Importance: This ensures no single testimony can determine a verdict on its own.
3. Adequate Testimony:
   • Definition: Evidence that is:
     • Competent: Legally qualified and credible.
     • Material: Relevant and significant to the case.
     • In Agreement: Consistent with other testimonies and evidence.
   • Status: Fully accepted as legal proof.

Summary

Hebrew criminal law upheld strict standards for evidence to maintain justice. False witnesses faced severe consequences, and only oral, firsthand testimonies were admissible. The three types of testimony—vain, standing, and adequate—ensured that only reliable, corroborated evidence influenced verdicts. This system reflects a commitment to truth and fairness in judicial processes.