Mishpatim (Exodus) 21:1...

1st Aliya

And these are the ordinances that you shall place before them:

The Midrash notes that the Torah is given totally within the context of law and justice. Thus, the Ten Commandments are preceded in the Torah by chapter concerning the establishment of the institution of justice--they judged the people at all times (18:26)--and followed by the chapter which comprises the principles of law.

Mishpatim (Exodus) 21:20...

2nd Aliya

If a man shall strike his slave or his maidservant with the rod and he shall die under his hand, he shall surely be avenged.

This verse concerns a Canaanite slave, generally acquired by a Jew through a purchase. Such a slave, were he to be under non-Jewish ownership, would have had a very slim chance of liberation. However, once owned by a Jew there are a number of ways in which he may attain his freedom.

Mishpatim (Exodus) 22:4...

3rd Aliya

If a man permits livestock to devour a field or vineyard--whether he set loose his livestock or if grazed it in another's field--from the best of his field and the best of his vineyard shall he pay.

Rashi explains that this passage involves two categories of damage (tooth and foot). Since they are part of the normal behavior pattern of the animal, the owner should have been careful to take the proper precautions.  

Mishpatim (Exodus) 22:27...

4th Aliya

You shall not revile G-d, and you shall not curse a leader among your people.

Rashi explains an alternate translation for Elohim (אלהים) is judge. Thus, the law prohibits  blaspheming HaShem's Name or cursing a judge. This warning appropriately concludes the basic rule of justice. An accused person who has lost their case or was convicted in court must not lose control and curse HaShem or His judges.

Mishpatim (Exodus) 23:6...

5th Aliya

Do not pervert the judgment of your destitute person in his grievance.

Since absolute indifference to wealth and position is an often repeated imperative regarding judicial matters, the Sages related the word destitute in this context to someone who is poor in mitzvot, i.e. an unobservant Jew.

Mishpatim (Exodus) 23:20...

6th Aliya

Behold I send an angel before you to protect you on the way, and to bring you to the place that I have made ready.

Rashi explains this verse as speaking of a future time when Yisra'el will sin, inducing the Shechinah (Divine Presence) to declare: I shall not ascend among you (33:3), and so an angel will be sent as an intermediary.

Mishpatim (Exodus) 23:26...

7th Aliya

There shall be no women who loses her young or is infertile in your land; I shall fill the number of your days.

Illness, barrenness, and premature death will be unknown in your land. Not only the soil, but men too will be included in these blessings.
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