A buyer purchases a stolen goat before the owner despairs. Can the original owner reclaim it?
Halacha 1-2: Before the owner despairs, the sale does not transfer ownership. The original owner may reclaim the stolen article from the buyer.
Question 2
After the owner despairs, a buyer acquires the stolen item. Where does the owner now direct his claim?
Halacha 2-3: After ye'ush (despair), the buyer acquires valid title. The owner's claim shifts to a monetary claim against the thief.
Question 3
A thief sells stolen goods to a buyer who does not know the thief's reputation. The owner reclaims the goods. Can the buyer get his money back?
Halacha 6: When the purchaser did not know the seller was a thief, and the owner reclaims the article, the buyer may recover his payment from the thief.
Question 4
A person of known-thief reputation enters a home, and witnesses see him leave with certain goods. Are the goods presumed stolen?
Halacha 11: When a person publicly known as a thief is seen entering a house and leaving with goods, those goods are presumed to be stolen.
Question 5
A thief sells stolen oil for double its value. The original owner demands the oil back. Does the buyer owe the thief any extra amount?
Halacha 8: Torah law does not permit profit from stolen goods. The original owner reclaims the item and is not required to pay any premium the buyer paid above the item's value.