(A) Examine the trials of Jesus before Pilate as recorded in Luke’s Gospel.
(B) State three elements of a fair trial.
(A) The trial of Jesus before Pilate as recorded by Luke’s gospel (Luke 23:1-12)
1. After Jesus had been found guilty of blasphemy for claiming to be the Christ a King, the Jewish Council brought him before Pilate.
2. The Sanhedrin had earlier passed the death sentence on him.
3. But the council had no legal right to execute the death sentence on Jesus without approval from the Romans.
4. The Sanhedrin was therefore required to send Jesus to Pontius Pilate, the Roman representative for trial.
5. And in order to make Jesus guilty before Pilate, they changed the charges levelled against him from religious blasphemy to political insurgence and revolution.
6. Jesus was accused of perverting the nation.
7. He was also charged with claiming to be a king.
8. Jesus was accused of forbidding the payment of taxes to Caesar.
9. Pilate asked Jesus if he was a King of the Jews, and Jesus answered in the affirmative.
10. Eventually, Pilate told the chief Priest and the crowd that Jesus was innocent by saying” I find no crime in this man”.
11. But the people said Jesus stirs up people, teaching throughout all Judea from Galilee.
12. When Pilate discovered that Jesus was a Galilean and belonged to Herod Antipas’ jurisdiction, he decided to send him to Herod Antipas.
13. After Herod had asked Jesus some questions at length and he did not answer, he mocked him and treated him with contempt.
14. Herod realised that Jesus was innocent even though his opponents accused him vehemently.
15. Finally, Herod returned Jesus to Pilate and on that day Pilate and Herod became friends as they were previously enemies.
(B) Points expected of candidates are outlined below;
1. People should be given the right to public hearing.
2. People accused must have the right to counsel.
3. Judges in the courts must be impartial and not affected by conflict of interest.
4. People must have the right to appeal or a review of sentence.
5. People must have the right to be heard within a reasonable time.
6. An accused person should be deemed innocent until proven guilty.
7. Evidence should be sufficient and reliable/ no false witnesses.
8. There should be no interference in the work of the Judiciary/ independence of the Judiciary must be respected.
9. Judges must enjoy good conditions of service/ good pay /retire on their salary.
10. The Judiciary should be bold and fearless.
11. Citizens should ensure that justice is done at all times without fear or favour, to all manner of people.
12. Suspects should not be intimidated or tortured to elicit information.
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