Bible Verses About Courts of Justice

For before these days rose up Theudas, giving himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nought.

After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the enrolment, and drew away some of the people after him: he also perished; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad.

And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will be overthrown:

but if it is of God, ye will not be able to overthrow them; lest haply ye be found even to be fighting against God.

And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles unto them, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

But when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they laid hold on Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers,

and when they had brought them unto the magistrates, they said, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,

and set forth customs which it is not lawful for us to receive, or to observe, being Romans.

And when they had tied him up with the thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?

And when the centurion heard it, he went to the chief captain and told him, saying, What art thou about to do? for this man is a Roman.

And the chief captain came and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? And he said, Yea.

And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this citizenship. And Paul said, But I am a Roman born.

They then that were about to examine him straightway departed from him: and the chief captain also was afraid when he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God.

Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment.

For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same:

for he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil.

Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.