Hear now of the various kinds of disputes and the procedures for justice as set forth. When a person finds property lost or entrusted by another, or takes it by force and sells it in secret, this is known as the unauthorized sale of another’s goods. If an item is sold but the agreed payment is not given to the seller, it is called a dispute regarding non-delivery after sale. When a buyer, having paid for an item, finds fault with it or deems it defective, that is a wrongful sale. Agreements made among heretics, merchants, and others are to be honored; should someone violate such agreements, it becomes a matter of contention. Disputes may also arise over boundaries, embankments, field limits, or the distinction between cultivated and uncultivated land—these are disputes concerning land. When questions arise about the rules of marriage for men and women, it is a dispute concerning the union of man and woman. When sons divide their ancestral property, it is a dispute regarding inheritance. Any act done suddenly out of force or arrogance is deemed a violent act and is a matter for dispute. Words spoken with insults about country, caste, or family, with hostile intent, are verbal abuse. Assault upon another’s body with hands, feet, weapons, or fire is called physical abuse. Gambling with dice, sticks, and the like is called gambling, while contests involving five kinds of games with living beings are called animal gambling. Any other matter that does not fit these categories is called a miscellaneous case, for human actions are said to branch into a hundred types. In truth, there are eighteen kinds of legal disputes, each with a hundred subdivisions, reflecting the diversity of human affairs. The king should examine such disputes with wise and calm Brahmins, with judges impartial to both friend and foe, free from greed, and learned in the Vedas. If the judges cannot discern the matter due to circumstances, they should appoint a Brahmin; but those who act out of passion, greed, or fear, and who stray from the law, must not be appointed. If judges, either alone or together, are found guilty in a dispute, their penalty is double, especially if they act against the law and custom, corrupted by others. Whatever matter is brought before the king is called a legal case; the defendant’s statement should be recorded as understood by the plaintiff. The reply should be written clearly, with date, names, caste, and distinguishing marks, in the presence of the one who first made the statement and after hearing the matter. Next, the claimant should immediately record how he intends to fulfill his claim; if he succeeds, he attains his goal, otherwise, the result is the opposite. This fourfold procedure is prescribed in disputes: after the plaint is made, the response should be given accordingly. One who is accused should not be taken away by another after being released, unless there is misconduct; in cases of quarrel or violence, a counterclaim should be made. A competent surety should be taken from both parties to ensure resolution; if concealment is suspected, the surety must pay the equivalent amount to the king. For a false accusation, twice the claimed amount should be taken as penalty; in cases of violence, theft, abuse, curses, or offenses involving women, the prescribed penalty applies. If one says, “Let it be examined,” the time is immediate; otherwise, it is at the person’s discretion, especially if he departs or shows signs like licking his lips. If his forehead sweats and his face loses color, it is a sign; his mind, speech, and actions become disturbed. In claims or testimony, one whose speech is corrupt is declared so; one who, being independent, resolves a doubtful matter or withdraws, is recognized as such. If the summoned debtor says nothing, he is deemed punishable. Where there are witnesses on both sides, the plaintiff’s witnesses speak first. If the first statement is not established, the defendants speak; if the dispute is with a group, the one who is lacking must pay. Money, goods, and wealth given or owed—if denied—should be recovered by the king through an agent in the legal process. Even an existing or past matter may be lost through litigation, whether wholly denied, affirmed, or only partially established. All matters should be compelled to payment by the king, but not those unreported; when tradition and reason conflict, reason prevails in legal matters. Documentary evidence, possession, and witnesses are declared as proof. In the absence of these, an ordeal is prescribed; in all disputes, the reply carries greater weight. In matters of deposit, acceptance, or purchase, recent possession is stronger; for land, loss of claim occurs after twenty years, even if the land is seen or declared. For property enjoyed by another for ten years—except for pledged, boundary, deposited, or immovable property—the claim is lost. Likewise, for deposits belonging to the king, women, or Brahmins, and for the wealth of pledged property and the like, one who misuses it must pay the owner. The one who is punishable shall pay to the king an amount equal to what was taken, or as much as is possible; if there is additional gain without prior possession, that too must be given. Even if there is evidence, it is not strong where there is not even a little possession; only with pure evidence does enjoyment attain validity. Enjoyment based on impure evidence does not have authority; but if one has created the evidence and is involved, he must restore it. In such a case, neither son nor grandson has greater right to enjoyment; but if someone else is involved and has died, his share should be restored from his property. Thus are the disputes and the path of justice laid out, so that righteousness may prevail and order be maintained among all.