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NeCede's

Maxim 8.1.17

A good judge should do nothing from his own judgment or from private inclination, but should pronounce according to law and justice.

Judex bonus nihil ex arbitrio suo faciat, nec propositione domesticae voluntatis, sed juxta leges et jura pronunciet.

Source: 7 Co. 27; Weisman, 63f Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

Personal opinion has no place on the bench — the judge's duty is to declare the law, not to impose his will.

Where this applies

  • A judge's personal political views seem to be influencing their rulings.
  • The court is imposing its own values instead of following the law.

Legal domains

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 8.1.17 — A good judge should do nothing from his own judgment or from private inclination, but should pronounce according to law and justice. — 7 Co. 27; Weisman, 63f (Judex bonus nihil ex arbitrio suo faciat, nec propositione domesticae voluntatis, sed juxta leges et jura pronunciet.)

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