How many times may the condemned himself claim 'I have a reason for my acquittal' without substance before he is no longer automatically returned to court?
The first and second times the condemned makes this claim without substance, he is returned — fear may have confused his thoughts. The third time, he is only returned if his claim has substance.
Question 2
What is given to the condemned before execution after confession?
A granule of frankincense dissolved in wine is given to cloud the mind so the condemned is somewhat intoxicated when executed — an act of compassion within the execution process.
Question 3
Why may the court not eat on the day they execute someone?
The verse 'Do not eat upon the blood' (Leviticus 19:26) is interpreted to forbid the court from eating on the day they carry out an execution, and also bars a comfort meal for the executed's relatives.
Question 4
What must the relatives of an executed person do according to Rambam?
Relatives greet the witnesses and judges warmly — an affirmation that they accept the verdict as true justice. While they may feel inner grief (aninut), they observe no formal mourning rites.
Question 5
If a murderer convicted in one court flees to another court, how can he be executed?
For a murderer specifically, two witnesses who testify that he was convicted by a named court with named witnesses are sufficient — he is executed on the spot without reopening the case.