It is the property of a Judge to administer justice, not to give it.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) A judge's duty is to administer the existing law, not to create new rights or grant favors — the judge declares what the law is, he does not invent what it should be.

Where this applies

• A judge who invents a new right not found in any statute or constitution is overstepping — her job is to apply existing law, not to create new rights.
• An appellate court reverses a trial judge who awarded damages based on personal sympathy rather than legal grounds, because a judge administers justice, he does not dispense favors.
• A judicial nominee is criticized for promising to "give justice" to certain groups, because a judge's role is to administer the law impartially, not to hand out results.