No man can be at once suitor and judge.

Explanation

The integrity of the judicial process depends on the absolute separation of the roles of advocate and adjudicator.

Where this applies

• The person filing the complaint is also the person hearing it — that's not allowed.
• A regulatory agency is both the prosecutor and the judge in my case.

See also

• 8.1.1 No man ought to be a judge in his own cause.
• 8.1.2 A man ought not to be judge in his own cause, because he cannot act as both judge and party.