III. Laws of Special Crimes

“In the theocracy of Israel, there are many offenses punishable by death which do not fall within traditional crime categories, and offenses which fall within traditional crime categories which are not punishable by death.  There is no punishment by imprisonment at all.  Theft, for example, is punished by a form of fine and restitution.  (Therefore the special crimes category set forth below is arbitrarily based upon more traditional classifications of offenses.)

To insure respect for human life, the most basic moral principle of life is given.”

A. Crimes Against the Person
1. Homicide

PREMEDITATED MURDER   Exodus 21:12-14/Leviticus 24:17, 24:21b

INTENTIONAL MURDER   Numbers 35:20,21

MURDER BY INSTRUMENT   Numbers 35:16-19

ONE WITNESS INSUFFICIENT   Numbers 35:29,30

NO RANSOM FOR MURDERER   Numbers 35:31

REASON FOR DEATH PENALTY   Numbers 35:33,34

CRIME PREVENTION DEFENSE   Exodus 22:2,3a

MANSLAUGHTER   Numbers 35:22-25

INNOCENT HOMICIDE   Deuteronomy 19:4-6

CITIES OF REFUGE   Numbers 35:9-15

THREE CITIES IN CANAAN   Deuteronomy 19:1-3

PROVISION FOR MORE CITIES   Deuteronomy 19:7-10

RISK OUTSIDE CITIES   Numbers 35:26-28

CITIES NOT FOR MURDERERS   Deuteronomy 19:11-13

NO RANSOM FOR MANSLAYER   Number 35:32

2. Fetal Interference

PREMATURE BIRTH   Exodus 21:22

PROPORTIONAL PUNISHMENT   Exodus 21:23-25

3. Kidnapping

KIDNAPPING PROHIBITED   Exodus 21:16

SPECIAL REGULATION   Deuteronomy 24:7

4. Mayhem

DISFIGUREMENT   Leviticus 24:19,20

MAIMING OF SLAVE   Exodus 21:26,27

5. Rape

RAPE OF BETROTHED   Deuteronomy 22:25-27

WHEN NOT BETROTHED   Deuteronomy 22:28,29

6. Assault

STRIKING PARENT   Exodus 21:15

PERMANENT INJURY   Exodus 21:18,19

SURVIVING SLAVE   Exodus 21:20,21

INTERFERENCE BY WOMAN   Deuteronomy 25:11,12

B. Crimes Against Property

“A person’s property is also to be respected.”

STEALING PROHIBITED   Deuteronomy 5:19

1. Theft of Personal Property

PENALTY   Exodus 22:3b

THEFT OF ANIMALS   Exodus 22:1,4

2. Theft of Real Property

REMOVING LANDMARKS   Deuteronomy 19:14

All quotations taken from The Daily Bible.