publications_unodc_commentary-e

5.3 A judge shall carry out judicial duties with appropriateconsideration for all persons, such as the parties,witnesses, lawyers, court staff and judicial colleagues,without differentiation on any irrelevant ground,immaterial to the proper performance of such duties.CommentaryPeople in court must be treated with dignity189. It is the judge who sets the tone and creates the environment for a fair trialin his or her court. Unequal or differential treatment of people in court, whether realor perceived, is unacceptable. All who appear in court – be they legal practitioners,litigants or witnesses - are entitled to be treated in a way that respects their humandignity and fundamental human rights. The judge must ensure that all people incourt are protected from any display of prejudice based on race, gender, religion, orother irrelevant grounds.125