A judge must decide according to the facts alleged and proved.

Explanation

A judge may not rely on private knowledge or personal investigation — he is bound to what the parties have placed before him through proper procedure.

Where this applies

• The judge made a ruling based on something they read in the newspaper, not what was presented in court.
• A judge used their personal knowledge of the parties instead of the evidence on record.

See also

• 8.1.6 A judge does not award more than the claimant himself demands.
• 8.8.7 Judgment is not to be pronounced on a matter that is not clear.