Sanhedrin 71: Stubborn and Rebellious Sons, What to do with the Wicked

After understanding that a boy does not become a rebellious and stubborn son unless he both eats meat and drinks wine.  This is followed by five new Mishnayot in today's daf.  

1) A son becomes a stubborn and rebellious son only if he steals from his father and then eats on the property of others.  Rabbi Yossi says that he must also steal from his mother.

2) If only one of the boy's parents wishes to have him punished but the other does not, he does not become a stubborn and rebellious son.  Rabbi Yehuda says that if the mother was not a suitable match for his father, he does not become a stubborn and rebellious son.

• the rabbis discuss the ways that parents must be similar: in voice, appearance and height
• whether or not anyone other than Rabbi Yonatan had actually seen a stubborn and rebellious son
• whether or not there has ever been an idolatrous city
• whether or not there has ever been a leprous house

3) If one of the parents is without hands, lame, mute, blind or deaf, then the son cannot be named rebellious.  This is because there are a number of steps required in the process of declaring a boy stubborn and rebellious, and any of these people cannot do all of those steps.  Instead, he will be tried by three judges and then by 23 judges and and flogged.

• the rabbis discuss the meaning of the word 'chastise'  
• is is determined that the three original judges must be present when the 23 judges assemble, and that blind parents cannot have a son who is called stubborn and rebellious

4) If the rebellious son ran away before he was sentenced, and before he was caught his 'lower hair' grew around his penis, then he is exempted from the death penalty.  If he ran away after he was sentenced, and afterward his pubic hair grew around his penis, he is liable to receive the death penalty.  

• the rabbis discuss the implications of different crimes
• the different ways of executing someone who has committed a particular crime

5) A boy is executed not because of his transgressions but because a child like this will certainly grow up to be immoral.  He should die before he causes excessive damage.  The wine and sleep of the wicked is beneficial to them and to the world.  The wine and the sleep of the righteous is detrimental to them and to the world.  Those who are wicked should be dispersed throughout the world; this is beneficial to them and to the world.  Those who are righteous should assemble together.  In both cases, the traits of other individuals will strengthen the deeds of those around him/her.