The importance of impartiality

An Ontario judge – Judge Bernd Zabel – has been caught wearing a ‘Make America Great’ hat from the Donald Trump presidential campaign.

In the courtroom.

Ugh. Where to start?

A judge, a lawyer, anyone with basic common sense – which this man clearly lacks – would make effort to show impartiality when in the courtroom and, even more ideally, outside the courtroom.

You make the law.  You determine the fate of not just those in the room before you, but for generations to come because of precedent.

Impartiality forces the courts to toss out all of your work.

All of your effort – good or bad – comes under scrutiny.

And this isn’t the talk of some left-wing moron here (which I’m frequently called).

This is the simple notion that anyone on the opposite side of your opinion can now appeal your decision because, that’s right, you’ve failed to show impartiality.

Smart move Judge Bernd Zabel.  You’ve unintentionally (or maybe not) unraveled decades of hard work for the entire court system.  People you’ve convicted may wind up on the streets.  People you’ve let go will now fall under increased scrutiny.

Impartiality.  It’s a simple concept with such immense, deep impact.

A judge should know this.

Maybe it was a joke.  Maybe he’s bored.

Whatever.

Regardless of the excuse, Zabel should consider a public apology or consider another job.