V. Title: Property Crimes, Theft

II. Case Law Precedent: Exodus 22:3b,4 – “He shall surely make restitution; if he owns nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. If what he stole is actually found in his possession, whether an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double.

III. Statutory Provisions: The normal punishment for crimes against property shall be double restitution. The state shall ensure that a thief shall repay double the value of the stolen goods or services to the victim.

Goods returned intact shall constitute 1/2 of the required payment. In the event of voluntary confession and return of stolen property, a 20% penalty shall be paid to the victim (Lev. 6:1-5)

In the event a thief cannot afford the penalty, he shall be required to work off his debt over time. This may take the form of direct service to the victim, or garnishment of wages from an independent employer.

No part of this restitution shall be withheld by the state. This statute nullifies any existing penal sanctions involving incarceration by the state for specified periods of time.

IV. Related Passages & Points of Law: Zacchaeus made restitution upon conversion to Christ (Lk. 19:8,0). Paul promised restitution to Philemon for whatever Onesimus may have stolen. (Philemon 18,19). Refusal of convicted thief to abide by court decision shall be capital punishment (Dt. 17:12).