De testibus et testimoniis theses L

I.
The use of testimonies is frequent and necessary. For in criminal cases and in pecuniary lawsuits, the judge must render a verdict according to what is alleged and proven.

II.
Witnesses, however, are required—as the nature of the business allows—sometimes in greater numbers, sometimes in fewer; and those who offer themselves voluntarily to give testimony should not be admitted.

III.
For the law original: "II." suppresses an unrestrained multitude of witnesses, and in certain cases, the constitutions of princes are satisfied with a specific number of witnesses.

IIII.
Therefore, those who intrude themselves with testimonies without being asked or called incur no small suspicion, especially if they approach prepared with a premeditated speech.

V.
For one should not always look to the desires of the witnesses, but to the sincere faith of those providing the testimony and to the testimonies that are rather assisted by the light of truth.

VI.
Many things hinder the truth in witnesses: some consist in the mind, others in lineage, and some in the condition of those testifying.

VII.
In the mind reside good and bad affections, which, the more vehement they are, the greater presumption of future falsehood they induce.