the price of wine or the like—one thousand. If he declares, “I owe him such-and-such, and I have already paid it,” or, “He was entitled to such-and-such and I have settled it,” his statement is upheld along with his oath unless proof appears to the contrary or he admits the underlying cause of the claim.

If he says, “I owe him one hundred,” then falls silent at a moment when further speech was possible and afterwards adds, “in debased coin,” “payable at a later date,” or similar qualifications, he remains liable for one hundred sound coins, due immediately; the ruling would differ had the qualification followed without any intervening pause.

If he acknowledges that he gave the item as a gift, or pledged it and delivered it (1), or that he has received the purchase price or some other payment, then later retracts without disavowing his original admission, and he asks that his opponent be put under oath (2), he is entitled to that.

If, after selling, donating, freeing, or the like, he then says, “It actually belonged to so-and-so,” his claim is not accepted; the transaction stands, and he must compensate the person to whom he has admitted ownership.

If he says, “It was not mine, but I acquired it later,” his word will be accepted with supporting testimony, provided he had not previously acknowledged that it was his, or said, “I have already received the price of my property,” and the like.

Section

Whoever says, “He has something—or such-and-such—against me,” is told, “Explain what you mean.” If he refuses, he is detained until he clarifies it.

An acknowledgment is not accepted concerning a right of pre-emption, an item with no monetary value, carrion, wine, and the like; it is, however, accepted regarding a dog whose keeping is lawful, or the prescribed ḥadd for slander.

If he says, “I owe him one thousand,” recourse is had to him to specify the kind, and his specification is accepted if he identifies it as a type