No man ought to be a judge in his own cause.

Explanation

A judge who has a personal interest in the matter before him is disqualified — any judgment rendered under such a conflict is void for want of impartiality.

Where this applies

• A judge ruled on a case where he had a financial interest in the outcome.
• The hearing officer deciding my permit application is also the one who denied it.

See also

• 8.1.2 A man ought not to be judge in his own cause, because he cannot act as both judge and party.
• 8.3.5 Justice knows neither father nor mother; justice looks to truth alone.