Founding Fathers

<p>Reverend Thomas Hooker wrote the "Fundamental Orders of
Connecticut" based on the
principles recorded by Moses in the first chapter of Deuteronomy.
Here are the principal characteristics of the People's Law in ancient Israel which were almost
identical with those of the Anglo-Saxons:
1. They were set up as a commonwealth of freemen. A basic tenet was: "Proclaim liberty
throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof."
2. All the people were organized into small manageable units where the representative of
each family had a voice and a vote.
3. There was specific emphasis on strong, local self-government. Problems were solved to
the greatest possible extent on th
e level where they originated.
4. The entire code of justice was based primarily on reparation to the victim rather than fines
and punishment by the commonwealth.
The one crime for which no "satisfaction" could be
given was first-degree murde
r. The penalty was death.
5. Leaders were elected and new laws were approved by the common consent of the
people.
6.
Accused persons were presumed to be innocent until proven guilty. Evidence had to be
strong enough to remove any question of doub
t as to guilt. Borderline cases were decided in
favor of the accused and he was released. It was felt that if he were actually guilty, his
punishment could be left to the judgment of God in the future life. </p>