Deuteronomy 25:1-4 - Fairness And Mercy
1 When there is strife between men, let them come unto the law, and let the judges justify the righteous and condemn the trespasser. 2 And if the trespasser be worthy of stripes, then let the judge cause to take him down and to beat him before his face according to his trespass, unto a certain number. 3 Forty stripes he shall give him and not pass: lest if he should exceed and beat him above that with many stripes, thy brother should appear ungodly before thine eyes.
4 Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn.