A twisting of language is unworthy of a judge.

Explanation

A judge who resorts to verbal trickery or strained readings of words to reach a desired result debases the office; honest construction, not clever word-play, is the standard. (Duplicate maxim — see also 8.1.15.)

Where this applies

• The judge is twisting the language to reach a predetermined result.
• Verbal trickery by the court is unworthy of the judicial office.
• The court should read honestly, not play word games to get the outcome it wants.

See also

• 8.1.15 Verbal quibbles are unworthy of a judge.