Cursing the dead carries no liability. The Torah's prohibition targets the living — since the dead can no longer be harmed by the social and spiritual damage caused by cursing.
Question 2
What are the consequences of cursing oneself?
The Rambam derives from Deuteronomy 4:9 ('take heed and guard your soul') that cursing oneself is prohibited and carries lashes — no one is exempt from this prohibition, not even regarding oneself.
Question 3
What is required before a person can receive lashes for cursing a judge?
As with all lash-eligible offenses, the person must have received a prior warning in the presence of two witnesses. Without this warning, the technical requirements for lashes are not met.
Question 4
May a judge or nasi (leader) waive the honor due to his judicial title?
A judge may forgive someone who personally insulted him, but cannot waive the honor belonging to his institutional role and title. The office carries obligations independent of the individual's wishes.
Question 5
What does the Rambam say about bringing a lawsuit to gentile courts?
Taking a case to gentile courts is a serious prohibition — even if the ruling would be identical to a Jewish verdict. It undermines the authority of Torah law and is considered an act of wickedness.