The retrial of Jesus: justice, judgment and reinterpretation across two centuries

Abstract

The trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ is arguably the most renowned criminal case in human history, the circumstances and fairness of which are still debated to this day. According to the Christian belief, Jesus is considered to be innocent, yet he was sentenced to death. The trial had numerous theological and social consequences over the centuries, including prejudice against the Jewish people. Over the past two centuries, the trial of Jesus has been subject to repeated scrutiny by historians, lawyers and theologians alike. From time to time, the idea of a symbolic "retrial" has been raised. The question therefore arises: has Jesus' trial actually been retried over the past two centuries, and if so, was he acquitted in these subsequent proceedings? The present study examines this question with scientific rigour, taking into account both legal and theological aspects. To this end, we undertake a review of the historical context of the trial, the emergence of the demand for a retrial, the specific attempts at retrial and their results, as well as the objectives, methods and consequences of reinterpreting the trial.