Mishpatim, statutes (as it is often translated), refers to
mitzvot of the Torah whose reasons are readily discernable,
mitzvot that make common sense, mitzvot that we and many other
societies would come up on our own, had we not been commanded.
Since our sedra is called Mishpatim, we would expect many
mishpatim- type of mitzvot in it. And, so it is. A few examples
- the laws of damages. It is reasonable that a society should
hold someone responsible for causing damage to someone else’s
person or property. The details might differ from our halacha,
but the idea certainly makes sense. Someone borrows something
from his fellow, it is reasonable and sensible that the borrower
should be held responsible if that which he borrowed does not
get returned in good condition. Thieves should be required to
make restitution. The should be further penalized and punished.
Makes sense. Many societies throughout history have had laws on
their books of this kind. Judges shouldn’t be allowed to take
bribes. Common sense. People