Thursday, April 16, 2009

Bava Kamma 109 - Son Robs His Father and Swears that He Didn't (Torts)

Imagine one robs his father and swears falsely to him, denying the robbery, and the father dies. The son then admits his guilt – he pays the principal and the one-fifth surcharge (for false oath) to his father's other sons or to the father's brothers – who are the next in line to inherit.

Although the robber is his father's heir, he may not keep what he stole – for he must fulfill the dictate to return stolen property.

If he doesn't wish or can't pay, he may borrow from others, repay, and his creditors may then come and collect the debt from his inheritance.

Art: Thomas Rowlandson - Fathers Displeasure

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