Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5383 lawsuits

Legal trials in which the court decides between two opposing parties. OT law makes provision for such trials, insisting on justice for all, regardless of social status.

Regulations relating to lawsuits

Warnings against discrimination on the basis of social status

Exodus 23:6 See also Exodus 23:3; Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 1:17; Proverbs 22:22-23

Warnings against false testimony

Exodus 23:1-2 See also Exodus 20:16 pp Deuteronomy 5:20; Deuteronomy 19:15-21; Zechariah 8:16

Provision for a court of appeal

Deuteronomy 17:8-13 See also Deuteronomy 1:15-18

Lawsuits to judge between two parties

Deuteronomy 25:1 See also Exodus 18:16; Exodus 21:22; Job 9:32-35; Proverbs 25:7-10; Proverbs 29:9; Matthew 5:25-26; James 2:5-7

Believers should not bring lawsuits against each other

1 Corinthians 6:1-8

Injustice in lawsuits

Amos 5:15 See also Isaiah 29:20-21; Amos 2:7; Amos 5:7-12

Excess of lawsuits a symptom of social disorder

Hosea 10:4

Examples of lawsuits

2 Samuel 15:1-4 See also 2 Samuel 14:1-20; 1 Kings 3:16-27; 2 Kings 6:26-29; Acts 18:12-16; Acts 19:35-41

See also

5270  court
5358  judges
5361  justice, human
5375  law
5384  lawyer
5504  rights
5593  trial
5622  witnesses
8800  prejudice