Daily Halacha - Choshen Mishpat Laws, 5th of Tammuz 5777

Does the prohibition against taking bribes apply only to judges or to all public officials?

The prohibition against taking bribes is not limited to judges alone but applies to all elected public officials or members of any selection committee. If someone receives benefits due to their position or role, this constitutes a prohibited bribe [Pilpula Charifta on the Rosh, Sanhedrin 27a, and this is the ruling of the Pitchei Teshuva 9:1].

Is the owner of a tree whose branches extend into public domain required to trim them?

The owner of a garden adjacent to a public domain is obligated to trim branches that protrude into the public domain. One who leaves branches protruding is essentially stealing from the public way and causing distress. If the tree owner does not cut the branches, anyone is permitted to cut them [Pitchei HaChoshen 262].

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