On the other hand contrast this with the case of the son of Shimon Ben Shetach
The witnesses recanted Yet the penalty was still carried out. The obvious question is who carried it out. Is it logical to assume that the witnesses who had severe regrets actually agreed to do the process? Or did the courts appoint an executioner?
Based upon everything that I’ve seen in the sources and the specific language, I don’t believe that the witnesses actually have to carry out the full death penalty. I believe the Pasuk can be understood as they just need to start the process. So perhaps if they simply pick up the sword and then hand it to the court appointed executioner that would be enough.
And my guess is that the courts would force them to at least do this minimal amount so that they can carry out the sentence
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