Die kerkregtelike toepassing van die reëls van 'natuurlike geregtigheid’ op grond van die Skrif

Abstract

Church polity is not the exercising of justice apart from justice in general, but merely the application of justice in another sphere using other procedures. Therefore the principles of fundamental justice, which underlie by far most legal systems, also apply to church polity. The principles of fundamental justice, which are unfolded in the rules of natural justice, are also found in Scripture. These principles include the following aspects: the right to be heard; the meeting of legitimate expectations; the provision of the reasons for the judgements; and the fact that no one may judge his own case.