Chapter 22: The punishments for Eidim Zomimim-false witnesses
Halacha 1 – Contradictory Groups of Witnesses
- If two groups contradict each other and one witness from each group testifies together on another matter, their testimony is invalid because one must be lying.
- If each group testifies separately on unrelated matters, their testimony is accepted individually.
Halacha 2 – Two Promissory Notes
- Reuven presents two notes against Shimon (one for a maneh, one for 200 zuz), each signed by one of the contradictory groups.
- Shimon pays only the lesser amount (maneh) and swears regarding the remainder, holding a sacred article, as if admitting part of a claim.
Halacha 3 – Two Creditors, One Debtor
- Reuven and Shimon each sue Levi with notes signed by the two contradictory groups.
- Levi denies both debts; each creditor may swear (Rabbinic oath) and collect, since one claim must be valid.
Halacha 4 – One Creditor, Two Debtors
- Reuven sues Shimon and Levi with notes signed by the two contradictory groups.
- Both deny; Reuven cannot prove either claim, so both notes are void. Defendants take a simple oath (sh’vuat heset) and are released.
- If the groups testified at different times, each note can be used separately to collect.
Halacha 5 – Multiple Disqualified Witness Groups
- If a plaintiff repeatedly brings witnesses who are disqualified through hazamah—even 100 times—and later brings valid witnesses, the case is judged based on the valid testimony.
- However, if a legal document was proven forged by protest, it can never be used to collect—even if signatures are verified—unless the witnesses themselves testify to their signatures.
