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Katy Barnett's avatar

This reminds me of the law regarding apologies, in Australian law. Is it still an apology if the person doesn’t mean it? Or if it’s not in the right form? This may be something I have written on. I hope you will also write something on scapegoats, which for random reasons, is an obsession of mine.

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Alex's avatar

And I think that relates to the general question of intentionality in the Torah? I would like to write about this as well :). Here the intent meant is an additional layer- to have intent for the specific sacrifice being brought. I assume that an apology in Australian law doesn’t require thinking about a specific act at that time? How would you prove that?

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Katy Barnett's avatar

No, it doesn’t require thinking about a specific act, but that’s part of the problem. If the person is not genuinely penitent, then there’s an argument that it’s not worthwhile - it’s just words with no real thought behind it.

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Alex's avatar

You said you wrote about this? Would be very interested :)

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Katy Barnett's avatar

Relevant chapter sent. My friends Prue Vines and Robyn Carroll are experts in it.

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Alex's avatar

Will read and get back to you with my thoughts

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Alex's avatar

Will try to fit it in. It’s a fascinating (and very strange) topic :)

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