Chapter 31

The Faults and Punishments of Witnesses

Witnesses who speak on all matters unasked, or who do not speak when asked, should be confined, censured, and punished according to law. // K_402 //

In cases of verbal assault or fraudulent pleading, they should be made to pay a fine of three hundred. In disputes concerning debt and the like, they should be made to pay the money, and likewise the debt. // K_403 //

A witness who was not named, not summoned, nor presented, who speaks falsely or truthfully, even that wretch is to be punished. // K_404 //

If a witness does not give testimony, he shall bear a fine equal to the debt. In other disputes, he deserves a fine of three hundred. // K_405 //

And those who, having spoken, then speak otherwise, being guilty of prevarication, are to be punished. // K_406 //

He who, out of greed for some object, has named false witnesses—having taken all his property, one should then banish him. // K_407 //

Where a case has been established by the plaintiff's witnesses, if the defendant then proves the case otherwise, either by more witnesses or by witnesses of noble family, the former are false witnesses. // K_408 //

When the procedure is cleared according to justice, then there is a purification of their statement. He who is pure by a pure statement, that matter is pure; this is the settled rule. // K_409 //

Within a week, it becomes known where a witness speaks falsely: by disease, fire, or the death of a kinsman; or within two or three weeks, or even within forty-six days, depending on the substance, caste, and other factors. // K_410 //