Sanhedrin (Talmud)
Sanhedrin (סנהדרין) is one of ten tractates of the
Nezikin (a section of the
Talmud that deals with damages, ie. civil and criminal proceedings). The
Gemara of the tractate is noteworthy as precursors to the development of
common law principles .
Within the Nezikin, the Sanhedrin focuses on
criminal law and punishments. The tractate includes eleven chapters, addressing the following topics:# The different levels of courts and which cases each level presides over# Laws of the Jewish king and the high priest and their involvement in court proceedings# Civil suits: acceptable witnesses and judges and the general proceedings# The difference between criminal and civil cases, general proceedings in criminal cases# Court procedures, including examination of witnesses and the voting of the judges# Procedures for execution after condemnation, especially stoning# The 4 types of capital punishments, details of crimes which merit stoning# The rebellious son# Details of crimes meriting capital punishment by burning or slaying; auxiliary punishments# Details of crimes meriting capital punishment by choking# The
World to Come. This chapter is known individually by
Helek, one of its opening words. This is the order in the Gemara; the Mishna has the last 2 chapters reversed in order.
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Complete Sanhedrin Tractate Jewish Virtual Library
