The Bible and the Myth of Judicial ImpartialityI noted the publication of the book here.Judicial neutrality is critiqued through an exploration of ancient legal traditions that both uphold and challenge the ideal of rule-bound justice. Narratives such as those of Daniel, Susanna, Herod, and Jesus reveal how rigid legalism can lead to injustice, while empathy and contextual judgment often result in fairer, more humane outcomes.
See also Trial Stories in Jewish Antiquity: Counternarratives of Justice (Oxford, 2024).
By Chaya Halberstam
Professor and Chair, Department of Religious Studies
King’s University College at Western University
July 2025
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