11. One against whom, after [52] One who has made a false complaint, shall forfeit double the amount of his claim.
12. In a case of atrocious violence, of theft, of reviling or personal trespass,[53] where a cow is the subject, or a [malicious] charge of crime,[54] or an offence destructive of life or property[54] where a female [of the household] is the subject—[in each of these cases] the Court shall compel the parties to go to trial forthwith. In other cases, a day may be appointed at pleasure.
13. One who moves from place to place,[55] who licks the corners of his mouth, whose forehead sweats, and whose countenance changes colour.
14. who with words from a dry throat, stammering, says much that is contradictory, who makes no response to word or look, who contracts the lips—
15. whosoever [in this wise] changes his natural manner, in the action of his mind, of his speech, and of his person, is to be set down as false in his complaint, or [if a witness] in his testimony.[56]
16. One who enforces by his own arbitrary act a claim which is denied, who absconds, or who does not respond when called—[each of these] is considered to have failed, and is amenable to punishment.[57]
17. Where there are [rival claims, and] witnesses on both sides, the witnesses of him who asserts the elder title, are to be [first] examined: if that title be admitted,[58] then the witnesses of him who claims by subsequent title [shall be examined].[59]
18. Should the suit be accompanied by a wager, [the Court] shall compel the losing party to pay the fine [prescribed],[60] as well as his wager and his debt to the creditor.
19. Let the monarch, rejecting subtleties, conduct the trial of suits upon the merits: even merits, in the absence of proof, must fail of success in the suit.
20. If one plead a denial to a representation including several matters,[61] and one part be proved against him, the monarch shall compel him to pay the whole amount claimed: but what has not been previously declared [by the plaintiff][62] is inadmissible.