Mishna - Sanhedrin 5:5

[debi b]

To convict someone of a crime punishable by death, a panel of 23 judges is empowered. There must be a majority vote by at least two.

If 12 vote for aquittal and 11 vote for conviction, he is acquitted.

If 12 vote for conviction and 11 vote for aquittal, or

11 vote conviction and 11 vote aquittal and one abstains, they add to the judges two at a time - up to 71.

Does anyone know if latter writings have anything to add on this issue?

[debi b]

Has anyone anything to add...I am curious about latter writings commenting on this issue.

[Rabbi Klein]

Dear Debi,

What do you mean by latter writings?

R. Klein

[debi b]

Talmudic writings. I do have Mishna and Tosefta on the shelf, but not Talmud.