The Symbolism of Fire in the Classic Judaic Criminal Law Cover Image

Symbolika ognia w prawie karnym judaizmu
The Symbolism of Fire in the Classic Judaic Criminal Law

Author(s): Bogusław Sygit, Damian Wąsik
Subject(s): Theology and Religion, Comparative Studies of Religion
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Warmińsko-Mazurskiego w Olsztynie
Keywords: fire; criminal law of Judaism; death penalty; arson

Summary/Abstract: Since the dawn of history, fire was given a mystical character. Fire was associated with strength, power, mystery and the supernatural. Fire is of particular importance in the Jewish tradition and culture. The main aim of the publication is to present the symbolism of fire in Judaic criminal law, which is understood as a law arising from the Torah and the Talmud. Authors describe the subject of the treatment of fire as a kind of punishment tool and as a murder weapon. In the first case, the publication focuses on permissible in Judaism form of capital punishment by burning. In the second case authors raise the question of the principles of criminal responsibility by the perpetrators of arson. Recalling the principle of Judaic criminal law the authors argue that arson, contrary to some opinions presented in literature, should be treated as a causative action of certain crimes, and not as a separate offense.

  • Issue Year: 51/2014
  • Issue No: 51
  • Page Range: 129-138
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: English, Polish, German