The Rabbinic Courtroom Oath in Its Roman Context

Abstract

Abstract In this article the argument is made that the rabbinic courtroom oath reflects the influence of Roman law. Despite substantial differences, the rabbinic courtroom oath, like its Roman counterpart, represents, in part, a product of negotiation between the litigants – owed by one party to another; capable of modification at the parties’ discretion, and even of forgiveness; comparable to the litigant-driven process of judicial selection – and an arbitration-like tool for dispute resolution.