Although the United States is one of the most secular nations in the world, Christianity has been a major contribution to the country’s judicial framework since its founding. Christianity had a significant impact on not just the justice system, but also on its underlying principles, emerging philosophies, and shaping of laws.
The American justice system is rooted in English Common Law and the principles of Christianity. Common Law is based on centuries old English legal guidelines derived from the Bible. Clothing its rules of justice in the language of the Bible, Common Law emphasized moral principles, such as the concept of sin and the inherent worth of all individuals, as well as justice and mercy.
From early on, the idea of equality and justice for all was deeply entrenched in Christianity. Drawing on the writings of scriptures, specifically the examples of Jesus, early English and American courts began to emphasize the idea of justice flowing from fairness and mercy.
Over time, Christianity grew to shape the practices of law and the justice system, such as the notion that people are to be treated the same regardless of race, gender, or class. This moral framework has led to the bedrock American concept of justice that all individuals should be afforded the same level of legal and human rights protections, no matter their heritage.
The United States, over the years, has also taken to instilling religious values into the legal system. For example, the American jurisprudence system is based on the idea of “natural law”, which in the Christian tradition is derived from the Bible– specifically, the Decalogue.
At a more specific level, Christianity has been present in laws dealing with execution, censorship, marriage and other issues related to the different moral obligations of members of a society. Church-based legal systems, such as Canon law, also influence today’s legal structures.
Additionally, many forms of modern legal thought have been heavily influenced by Christian thought. One example is the idea of “innocent until proven guilty”, which is derived from bible passages such as Deuteronomy 19:15. This idea, rooted in Christianity, is the basis of the criminal justice system in the United States.
Justice and Punishment
Christianity has also influenced the punishment or punishment methods, or even the definition of criminal behavior and the approach court cases. As such, Biblical readings often guide the understanding of justice in courtrooms and statutes.
Christians claim that the values found in the Bible are integral to the American justice system, because they provide an objective judge, an impartial justice system, and moral guidance. According to Christian values, justice requires mercy, the basis of which is found in numerous passages in the Bible, including the Sermon on the Mount and Jesus’ parables. Mercy and justice, however, are not always seen as compatible forces in the legal system, and what may be perceived as merciful to one, may be viewed as unjust to another.
The golden rule, one of Christianity’s central moral codes, is arguably the foundation for morals in the criminal justice system and many other governmental laws. This biblical principle of ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ has been seen throughout U.S. jurisprudence, emphasizing the principle that all people should be treated fairly and equitably.
The Role of Religion
The role of religion has similarly shaped the development of the American justice system and continues to give guidance to court decisions. Religion is a cornerstone to many legal proceedings, as some statutes and legal decisions include religious teachings and principles. For example, the First Amendment permits religious individuals to speak out in civil court and allows religious organizations to remain neutral in regards to certain political issues.
As religion continues to play a role in the American justice system, it can be seen in various aspects of due process. For example, in 1989, the U.S. Supreme Court stated that ‘an Establishment Clause violation could occur even if a government action disadvantages one religion more than another.’
Actions such as this illustrate the preservation of religious liberty for all citizens, and protection of their individual beliefs. With Christianity being a major religion in America, it is essential that this liberty be upheld and respected when it comes to court decisions.
Separation of Church and State
The idea of separation of church and state has been a major topic of debate in recent times. According to the Supreme Court, the First Amendment ‘forbids the establishment of a national religion.’ This means that no single religion can be imposed upon any citizen, and each has the freedom to practice whichever religion he or she chooses.
In practice, legislating laws based upon religion is not always so easy. The extent to which an individual’s religious beliefs can affect civil laws and judgments is a recurring issue in the American legal system. As such, many scholars argue that the law should be shaped around universal principles, instead of ones grounded in particular religious beliefs.
When it comes to Christianity, it is not always obvious how particular religious views should be translated into law. It is important to recognize, acknowledge, and consider that different religions and systems of belief bring a range of perspectives to American courtrooms and other venues of justice.
Conclusion
Christianity has had a major influence in the development of the American justice system. From its moral foundations, to the guiding principle of ‘equality and justice for all,’ it can still be seen in the interpretation of laws and in the decisions made in court. The idea of ‘innocent until proven guilty,’ as well as the aspects of mercy and fairness within the justice system, are all rooted in Christianity. As the United States continues to evolve, Christianity will remain a major factor when it comes to legislation, justice, and the court system.
