Reporting to the Authorities

From Halachipedia

Prohibition to Report to the Authorities

  1. It is forbidden to inform upon another Jew to have him taken by non-Jews. Anyone who does so loses their share in Olam Haba.[1]
  2. If a Jew owes a non-Jew money and is running away, another Jew who knows shouldn't inform the non-Jew of the whereabouts of the Jew. If he does he isn't obligated to pay for his fellow's loss since that person didn't lose any money.[2]
  3. A landlord who doesn't properly take care of his tenants such as if he doesn't heat the buildings (which is illegal) some say that it is forbidden to inform upon him to the government without first asking a bet din.[3]

In America

  1. https://www.torahweb.org/audio/rsch_120306_video.html
  2. Mishneh Halachot 12:451 maintains that the prohibition of informing upon another Jew to the authorities obviously applies to America.

Menace to the Public

  1. Someone who is engaged in forgery and endangers the public he should be warned and if he continues he can be informed upon to the authorities.[4]

--Not Finished--

  1. A teacher who is abusive can be reported to authorities since he is damaging the public.[5]
  2. A parent who is physically or sexually is abusive to his child can be reported to the authorities.[6]

Aiding a Thief

  1. It is forbidden to inform a thief of the whereabouts of your fellow Jew's property and if someone does so and the thief takes away his money the informer must pay for his fellow's loss. That is true when the informer volunteered the information. If he was forced by the thief he is exempt.[7] If he was forced to show them his own property and he instead showed them his fellow's property he is liable to pay.[8]

Reporting Someone Cheating on Taxes

  1. It is permitted to work for a tax collection agency and report Jews cheating on taxes.[9]

Damages

  1. It is forbidden to report a fellow Jew to the authorities or government if he injured or damaged you or your property without first consulting a bet din. If the bet din agrees they can authorize a person to go to the authorities if they see fit.[10]

Obligation to Report a Public Menace

  1. Deceitful Practices

Sources

  1. Shulchan Aruch CM 388:9
  2. Rama 388:12
  3. Mishneh Halachot 12:451
  4. Rama 388:12
  5. Tzitz Eliezer 19:52
  6. Tzitz Eliezer 19:52
  7. Shulchan Aruch CM 388:2
  8. Rama 388:2
  9. Shevet Halevi 2:18
  10. Teshuvot Vehanhagot 5:362:5