TT #611 · Parashas Ki Seitzei · Seventh Aliyah · Passuk 25:01
When there is a dispute between men and they come to judgment, and they judge them, and they declare the righteous one righteous and the wicked one wicked,
Torah Temimah points to Sifrei Devarim 286.
TT lemma: וְנִגְּשׁוּ אֶל הַמִּשְׁפָּט וּשְׁפָטוּם.
English: ‘And they come to judgment, and they judge them’ – in a court.
Derash requiring a court (Sifrei) — private settlement is not the setting for the lashes that follow.
The parties must appear before a court; only a judicial decision sets the stage for the punishment discussed in the next verses.