Parshas Kedoshim

 “Do not commit an iniquity in judgment!” (Vayikra 19:15)

It is a negative commandment that a judge should not commit an iniquity in judgment, and in this case “iniquity” means when he transgresses that which the Torah commanded us about judgment, unless he did it according to the will of the litigants. Concerning this it says “Do not commit an iniquity in judgment”.

The root of the commandment is well-known, as only through justice can any form of civilization exist.

Amongst the laws of this commandment are that which Chazal said about delaying passing judgment after the judge knows what the verdict will be, that this is also a form of iniquity of justice. Chazal said further that a judge must be unhurried in judgment, so that he does not come to make a mistaken verdict. They said further that it is correct for a judge to take advice from another who is greater than himself, so that he does not come to make a mistaken verdict. Chazal exhorted us further that a judge should be extremely careful to give the correct judgment even when the object under discussion is worth only one perutah (smallest denomination of those times), in exactly the same way as he does when it is a large amount of money. Because of the severity of the laws of passing judgment, Chazal praised one who is able to convince the litigants to arrive at a compromise between themselves. About such a person it says “judge truth, justice and peace in your gates”, for compromise is the peaceful justice.

This commandment applies in all places and at all times, to people who are fit to judge.