publications_unodc_commentary-e

from public gatherings where his attendance is appropriate. Heshould avoid jesting and making other people laugh, whether heis in their company or they in his. When he speaks, he shouldmaintain the highest standard of speech possible, free fromerrors and defects. It should also be free from the ridicule ofothers and haughtiness.4. A courtroom is a place of seriousness, sobriety and respect. It isnot a place for frivolous behaviour, protracted speeches and badmanners. This applies equally to litigants, witnesses andeveryone else present in the courtroom. When the judge takes hisseat, he should be in a presentable state, completely prepared tohear the cases that will come before him and to consider all theevidence that will be presented to him. The judge should not be ina state of anger, and should be free from severe thirst, excessivejoy or grief, and extreme worry. He should not be in need ofrelieving himself or be overly tired. All of these things cancompromise his mental state and his ability to properly considerthe testimony of litigants.5. A judge should not let his gaze wander. He should speak as littleas possible, limiting himself to the relevant questions andanswers. He should not raise his voice except when necessary tocheck impertinence. He should keep a serious expression at alltimes, but without showing anger. He should sit in a calm andstately manner. He should neither jest nor speak about mattersunrelated to the case at hand.6. A judge should present himself in a manner that commands therespect of others, even in his manner of dressing and grooming.7. A judge must treat the litigants equally in every possible way,whether they be father and son, the Caliph and one of hissubjects, or a Muslim and a disbeliever. This includes the way helooks at them, addresses them, and deals with them. He shouldnot smile at one and frown at the other. He should not show moreconcern for one than he does for the other. He should notaddress one of them in a language that the other cannotunderstand if he is able to speak in a language known to bothlitigants.8. A judge may use only the evidence legally recognized in a courtof law. He may not pass judgment on the basis of his personalknowledge.156