Sanhedrin 40: The Importance of Witnesses

A new chapter, front-loaded with all of the mishnah from the entire chapter. Chapter 5 focuses on the ways the witnesses are investigated, given the huge importance of their testimony, as halakhah doesn't accept circumstantial evidence. The investigation begins with the timing of the event that was supposedly witnessed. Plus, the degree to which disparities between witnesses can be accepted, and when disparities indicate contradictory testimonies. Also, the process of investigating witnesses to a capital case. Plus, the voting of the judges for acquittal or conviction or aren't sure. Also, the Gemara on this mishnah cites the verses that lead to the court's conduct.