Deuteronomy 17:2-13

2“When you begin living in the towns the Lord your God is giving you, a man or woman among you might do evil in the sight of the Lord your God and violate the covenant.

3For instance, they might serve other gods or worship the sun, the moon, or any of the stars—the forces of heaven—which I have strictly forbidden.

4When you hear about it, investigate the matter thoroughly. If it is true that this detestable thing has been done in Israel,

5then the man or woman who has committed such an evil act must be taken to the gates of the town and stoned to death.

6But never put a person to death on the testimony of only one witness. There must always be two or three witnesses.

7The witnesses must throw the first stones, and then all the people may join in. In this way, you will purge the evil from among you.

8“Suppose a case arises in a local court that is too hard for you to decide—for instance, whether someone is guilty of murder or only of manslaughter, or a difficult lawsuit, or a case involving different kinds of assault. Take such legal cases to the place the Lord your God will choose,

9and present them to the Levitical priests or the judge on duty at that time. They will hear the case and declare the verdict.

10You must carry out the verdict they announce and the sentence they prescribe at the place the Lord chooses. You must do exactly what they say.

11After they have interpreted the law and declared their verdict, the sentence they impose must be fully executed; do not modify it in any way.

12Anyone arrogant enough to reject the verdict of the judge or of the priest who represents the Lord your God must die. In this way you will purge the evil from Israel.

13Then everyone else will hear about it and be afraid to act so arrogantly.