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When false witnesses (eidim zomemim) are exposed, does each witness pay his full share even if his partner cannot pay? The shiur analyzes Makkos 5a to determine whether witness liability follows the model of punishment (onesh) where each bears individual responsibility, or restitution (tashlumim) where one might cover for an absent partner.
This shiur examines a fundamental question in the laws of eidim zomemim (false witnesses): when witnesses are proven false and liable for payment, what happens if one witness dies or disappears before paying? Must the remaining witness pay the entire amount, or only his individual portion? Rabbi Zweig analyzes the Gemara (גמרא) on Makkos 5a, which discusses the case where one witness admits (hodaah) that they gave false testimony in another beis din. The Gemara states that this witness pays only half (mishalem mi'fi chelko), not the full amount. The Gemara's question is: why shouldn't he be exempt entirely, since he cannot make his partner liable (ki'van l'chaver lo motzi, mechayav lei), so why should he be liable himself?
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Makkos 5a
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