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Which legal subjects are included in the Mishna order Neziqin?
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The Neziqin (Hebrew for "Damages") is the fourth order of the Mishna and focuses primarily on civil and criminal law.123
The legal subjects covered within this order include:
- Civil and Financial Law: Damages, theft, labour relations, usury, real estate, partnerships, tenant relations, and inheritance.23
- Judicial Procedures: Court composition, jurisdiction, testimony, and the handling of erroneous decisions made by the Sanhedrin (the high court).23
- Criminal Law: Physical punishments, including capital punishment.23
- Religious and Moral Law: The order includes discussions on idolatry (which is punishable by death) and the tractate Avot, which provides ethical teachings intended to guide a moral life and prevent legal transgressions.23
The order consists of 10 tractates: Bava qamma, Bava metzia, Bava batra, Sanhedrin, Makkot, Shevuot, Eduyyot, Avoda zara, Avot, and Horayot.13