Negative Mitzvah 279
It is forbidden to reduce fines or a penalty out of pity for one who has killed or maimed another person
Deuteronomy 19:21 "And your eye shall not have pity"
When a judge must administer fines or penalties, he may not have pity on the person who has to pay them.
The guilty person must be punished for his action and the judge is forbidden to excuse him or reduce the amount.
Negative Mitzvah 277
It is forbidden to favor a poor man out of pity
Exodus 23:3 "You shall not favor a poor man in his cause"
A judge must not let pity interfere with the honest and proper judgment. He is not allowed to declare a poor man as not guilty because he feels sorry for him.
Negative Mitzvah 275
It is forbidden to be impressed by important people while sitting in judgment over them
Leviticus 19:15 "Nor honor an important person"
A judge must rule according to the law.
He should be careful not to be impressed and persuaded by the character and nature of the people he is judging.
He must concentrate on the facts and decide according to the Torah's laws.
This Negative Mitzvah cautions the judge not to show extra respect and consideration for a person who is being judged just because he may be important or rich.
Negative Mitzvah 278
It is forbidden to condemn an evil person unfairly
Exodus 23:6 "You shall not pervert the judgment of the needy in his cause"
Even the most terrible criminal is entitled to a fair trial.
A judge must study the facts carefully and not be persuaded or impressed by the nature of the person he is judging.
This Negative Mitzvah cautions the judge not to declare a person guilty just because he is known to be dishonest or evil, without first looking at the facts of the case.
Negative Mitzvah 273
It is forbidden to distort justice
Leviticus 19:15 "You shall do no unrighteousness in judgment"
We expect a judge to carry out his job in a professional and faithful manner.
He is appointed to seek the truth and bring about justice.
The Torah cautions him to be extremely careful and not to judge unfairly.