The judge is the law speaking.

Explanation

The judge is not the master of the law but its voice — he speaks what the law says, not what he wishes it said.

Where this applies

• The judge is not above the law — they are the law's voice.
• A judge who substitutes personal opinion for the law has abandoned their role.

See also

• 8.1.13 That law is best which leaves least to the discretion of the judge; that judge is best who leaves least to his own will.
• 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.