Parshas Kedoshim
“Do not treat a great man in a special way!” (Vayikra 19:15)
It is a negative commandment that a judge must not honor one of the litigants during a quarrel, even if that particular litigant was an important, respected and honored person, as it says “Do not treat a great man in a special way!”.
The root of this commandment is self-explanatory.
Amongst the laws of the commandment is that which Chazal said that one should not allow one of the litigants to stand while the other is seated, rather both should stand as while they are in front of the Beis Din (Rabbinical court of law) it is correct for them to stand as if they were in front of the Shechinah (Divine Presence), for the Spirit of Hashem dwells amongst the community of the judges of Klal Yisrael. Nevertheless, Chazal said that if the judges would like to seat both litigants, they have the right to do so.
This commandment applies in all places and at all times, to people who are fitting to judge.
