- Halacha
- General Questions
Question
In Jewish law can a defendant or an accused person be a witness against himself?
If there is a prohibition on use of such confession, would this prohibition only be for non-capital (death penalty) cases?
If there is such a prohibition on the use of such a confession what is the reason behind it?
Answer
In criminal matters a person's testimony against himself or herself is invalid. The Talmudic reason is that since the testimony of a relative is invalid, any person is related to himself. The broader reason is that in Jewish law testimony may only come from objective sources. A good friend or enemy is also an invalid witness, as is a criminal.

Honoring your Mother and Her Husband.
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Cheshvan 29, 5781

What causes so much division in the world?
Rabbi David Sperling | Av 7, 5784
Neighbors holiday apartment parking
Rabbi Gideon Weitzman | Adar II 17, 5784

The Rambam on the Talmud Yerushalmi opposing the Bavli
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Nisan 19, 5779

Customs for a Baal Teshuva to Follow
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 28 Av 5764

Kamatz pronounciation
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 5 Tevet 5766

Carrying firearms on Shabbat
Rabbi David Samson | 18 Elul 5762
