Deuteronomy 25:1-3

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition

25 Suppose two persons have a dispute and enter into litigation, and the judges decide between them, declaring one to be in the right and the other to be in the wrong. ² If the one in the wrong deserves to be flogged, the judge shall make that person lie down and be beaten in his presence with the number of lashes proportionate to the offence. ³ Forty lashes may be given but not more; if more lashes than these are given, your neighbour will be degraded in your sight.