It is improper to give judgment or pass sentence without looking at the whole case.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) A judge must examine the entirety of the evidence and law before rendering judgment — deciding on a partial view of the case is unjust.

Where this applies

• A judge sentences a defendant after hearing only the prosecution's side and ignoring the defense's evidence — the appellate court reverses because the whole case was not considered.
• A court enters a judgment based on one disputed contract clause without examining the rest of the agreement, and the ruling is overturned for incomplete review.
• A jury renders a verdict after the judge excluded key defense evidence — the conviction is reversed because it is improper to judge without looking at the entire case.