Who pays the scribe's fee for writing a promissory note?
The borrower pays the scribe's fee for a promissory note, since the document primarily records his obligation. For receipts, the lender pays.
Question 2
What extra legal power does a kinyan add to a promissory note?
A kinyan confirms the borrower's commitment in a binding way, enabling the creditor to collect from property the borrower has sold — not just from assets still in the debtor's possession.
Question 3
Two people in the same city share the name 'Yosef ben Shimon.' A promissory note names 'Yosef ben Shimon' without further identification. What happens?
Without further identifying details, the note cannot be enforced against either person — there is no way to determine which Yosef ben Shimon incurred the debt.
Question 4
Reuven holds a note for 100 zuz against Shimon dated in Nissan. Shimon holds a note for 100 zuz against Reuven dated in Iyar (one month later). What does the court presume?
The court presumes Shimon paid Reuven's earlier loan in Nissan, and then lent money to Reuven in Iyar. The later note (Shimon's) stands and Reuven must pay it.
Question 5
When a court head personally knows the facts described in a legal document, can he serve as a witness to validate it?
A judge may not serve simultaneously as witness — the roles are legally distinct. His personal knowledge does not substitute for proper witness testimony in document authentication.