EXOD779 In capital punishment cases, do not convict on the strength of a majority of only one judge. In court cases involving offenses punishable by death, do not convict the accused on the basis of a majority of only one judge. A majority of at least two judges is required. On the other hand, the courts can rely on a majority of only one judge in order to acquit the accused, just as such a majority is sufficient in non-capital cases. In all that we do, we are obliged to emulate Hashem. Kindness is one of the Divine traits. Hashem goes beyond the strict letter of the law in His dealings with mankind. In court, therefore, when a life is at stake, we must be more ready to acquit than to convict. Therefore, while a majority of only one judge suffices to acquit, a majority of at least two is required to convict. More certainty is required, for once a person is put to death, there is no reversing the court's action.