2,695. The Ten Criteria for an Oath of Testimony

Hilchos Shevuos 9:12

Witnesses aren’t liable for an oath of testimony unless it was imposed upon them in a language they understand.

Hilchos Shevuos 9:13

We have now seen that witnesses aren’t liable for an oath of testimony unless they meet ten criteria: (1) the plaintiff insists that they testify; (2) the case is regarding a financial matter; (3) the case involves movable goods; (4) the witnesses’ testimony alone would be enough to obligate the defendant to pay; (5) the witnesses must deny having information after the plaintiff insists that they testify; (6) the witnesses must make their denial in court; (7) the oath must include God’s name or one of the terms used to describe Him; (8) the witnesses must have had the information they denied before the oath was made; (9) the witnesses must be designated when the oath is made or when the plaintiff insists that they testify; (10) The oath must be imposed in a language that the witnesses understand.