TSK · Exodus 22:11

If the thief is not caught, then the owner of the house will be brought before the judges to see whether he has laid his hand on his neighbor’s goods.

Additional Sin Offering Regulations“‘When a person sins in that he hears a public curse against one who fails to testify and he is a witness(he either saw or knew what had happened) and he does not make it known, then he will bear his punishment for iniquity.

the king summoned Shimei and said to him,“You will recall that I made you take an oath by the LORD, and I solemnly warned you,‘If you ever leave and go anywhere, know for sure that you will certainly die.’ You said to me,‘The proposal is acceptable; I agree to it.’

For people swear by something greater than themselves, and the oath serves as a confirmation to end all dispute.