1,974. When Cases of Slander Can Be Brought

Naarah Besulah 3:2

If a man makes a slanderous report against a girl below the age of majority or one who has reached maturity, he is not liable to the fine or lashes. One is only liable for slander against a naarah (i.e., a girl between the ages of 12 and 12½). This is inferred from Deuteronomy 22:15 in which the Torah writes the word “naarah” with a final letter hei, which the Torah normally omits. [Naarah in 22:15 is actually written without the final hei. Perhaps the Rambam meant to reference 22:19, which has the hei.]

Naarah Besulah 3:3

Cases of a slandered maiden are only brought only when the Temple is standing, to a court of 23 judges, because of the possibility that it might result in capital punishment. This is because if the charge is found to be true, the girl is liable for adultery. Cases of rape or seduction, however, can be judged at all times in a court of three judges, as will be discussed IY”H in Hilchos Sanhedrin.