Its a Law.

If any one steal the property of a temple or of the court, he shall be put to death, and also the one who receives the stolen thing from him shall be put to death.

Basicly what its saying, is if you steal anything from the temple or court they will kill you. The Execution is probably Torture, other wise im not to sure.

I Think this law depicts that the culture was very strict about the temples and courts. Thus said, It Probably makes them religious or sacred, or even both. But I Think the consequences are fair.