Book of Testimony
Introduction
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Book of Testimony

Bearing witness in matters involving people’s rights is a communal obligation, whereas giving the testimony in court is an individual obligation; once a person has borne witness, he must have it recorded in writing.

It is unlawful to accept a fee or gratuity for testimony; however, if he is unable to walk, or1 walking would cause him harm, he may accept the hire of a mount.

It is forbidden to conceal testimony, yet there is no financial liability for doing so.

Taking witnesses is obligatory only for the marriage contract, and recommended for every other contract.

No one may testify except to what he knows, and knowledge is established only by sight or by hearing.

If someone sees property in another’s hand and that person has dealt with it for a long period in the manner of owners—demolishing, building, renting, or lending—he may testify to that person’s ownership; the more scrupulous course is to testify merely to possession and use.

Section

If two witnesses testify that he pronounced a single divorce2 but have forgotten which specific pronouncement it was, their testimony is not accepted.

And if one of them testifies that he acknowledged owing him3 one thousand, and the other that he acknowledged owing him two thousand,