Maxim 8.1.28
A judge should have two salts: the salt of wisdom, lest he be insipid; and the salt of conscience, lest he be devilish.
Judex habere debet duos sales: salem sapientiae, ne sit insipidus, et salem conscientiae, ne sit diabolus.
Source: 3 Inst. 147; Jackson; Weisman, 63t
Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable
Explanation
A judge requires both learning and moral integrity — wisdom without conscience produces tyranny, and conscience without wisdom produces disorder.
Where this applies
- A brilliant judge without integrity is dangerous — a well-meaning judge without knowledge is equally so.
- A good judge needs both legal expertise and moral character.
Legal domains
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 8.1.28 — A judge should have two salts: the salt of wisdom, lest he be insipid; and the salt of conscience, lest he be devilish. — 3 Inst. 147; Jackson; Weisman, 63t (Judex habere debet duos sales: salem sapientiae, ne sit insipidus, et salem conscientiae, ne sit diabolus.)
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