The Book of Judges is another book of history of Israel, probably compiled by Samuel, about law enforcement.  Judges once anointed held their post for life unless removed by death or by the divine power that installed them.  The priests explained why the Law existed and its intent, but the Judges enforced it, sometimes punitively or even violently.

At common law, judges wrote the law before the era of statutory or code law.  The personality of the judge could drive the decision restrained only by their strong allegiance to the common law tradition.  Indeed, the jury was a late development.

In the modern era, while encompassing the foregoing functions, judges also interpret and enforce the various statutes and codes that maintain civilization.  Juries are instructed on the law and how to determine the facts of a dispute.  In the United States, both are guided and sometimes constrained by the Constitution, especially in this context the First Amendment.

This blog will attempt to explicate and comment upon lawsuits and court decisions involving religious organizations.  Often, these decisions are humorous because of the failure of the members of the religious organization to conduct themselves in accord with their own beliefs.  No disrespect of any belief will be expressed in this forum.  But, unavoidably, humorous and ironic circumstances may be the explanation of judicial action or inaction and will be discussed herein.  Regardless, all opinions expressed are my own and “dicta.”

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