Deuteronomy 25:1-4 - Fairness And Mercy

¹ When there is a dispute between men and they go to court, and the judges decide their case. They justify the righteous and condemn the wicked. ² If the wicked man deserves to be beaten, the judge will then make him lie down and be beaten in his presence. The number of lashes is according to his guilt. ³ He must not beat him more than forty lashes. If he beats more than that your brother will be degraded in your eyes.

⁴ Do not muzzle the bull while he is threshing.