If they find a reason to acquit him, they acquit him; if not, they postpone his verdict until the next day. They then pair off —- limiting their [consumption of] food and abstaining from wine the entire day —- and analyze the matter through the night. On the following morning they arise early and come to court. The one who argued for acquittal declares, “I argued for ac-quittal and I maintain my position in favor of acquittal.” The one who argued for conviction says, “I argued for conviction and I maintain my position in favor of conviction.” One who argued for conviction may argue for acquittal, but one who argued for acquittal may not re- verse [himself] and argue for conviction. [If] they erred, the two judicial scribes remind them. If they find an argument to acquit him, they acquit him; if not, they take a vote. [If] twelve vote for acquittal and eleven for convic-tion, he is acquitted. [If] twelve vote for conviction and eleven for acquittal, or even eleven vote for acquittal and eleven for conviction, and one says, “I do not know,” or even twenty-two vote for acquittal or conviction, and one says, “I do not know” —- they add judges. Up to how many do they add? Two by two until [they reach] seventy-one. [If] thirty-six vote for acquittal and thirty-five for conviction, he is acquitted. [If] thirty-six vote for conviction and thirty-five for acquittal, they debate each other until one of those voting for conviction agrees with the opinion of those voting for acquittal.