Sanhedrin is one of ten tractates of Seder Nezikin (a section of the Talmud that deals with damages, i.e. civil and criminal proceedings). It originally formed one tractate with Makkot, which also deals with criminal law. The Gemara of the tractate is noteworthy as precursors to the development of common law principles, for example the presumption of innocence and the rule that a criminal conviction requires the concurrence of twelve.

Summary of Sanhedrin

Within Seder Nezikin, the Sanhedrin focuses on questions of jurisdiction, criminal law and punishments. The tractate includes eleven chapters, addressing the following topics: This is the order found in the Gemara, but the Mishna has the last 2 chapters reversed in order.

Chapter 3: Civil suits

Disqualified witnesses: Gamblers, usurers, those who engage in commerce with sabbatical year produce.