SOME COUNCELS FOR Judges

 

SOME COUNCELS FOR Judges

There is wisdom in old books. Not in all of them but surely in such ones  as scriptures and classics.  

One among the literary classics is a Persian book bearing the title The Qabus Nama , translated into English as A Mirror For Princes,   by a  Cambridge University professor Reuben Levy. This  book contains counsels for princes to be promulged by them in various spheres of their responsibilities.

Given below are some counsels for judges.

Published in the eleventh century this book of wise counsels is  as valid and relevant  as if it had been written just today.

            “Although you (judge, magistrate) should be very unassuming at home, yet in a court of law the more awe-inspiring, stern-faced and unsmiling you are,  the better, in order to preserve the distinction and eminence of your position. Further, be dignified and of few words, but never weary of listening to argument or of making decisions. And never display impatience, but be forbearing; if a problem occurs, do not be content to reply upon your own judgment, but seek advice of jurisconsults also. Keep your judgment unclouded and never rest from studying problems and beliefs.

                The qadi (judge, magistrate) then must be a person self-controlled, God-fearing, pious and capable of elucidating the law. There are certain times at which he should refrain from sitting in judgment. They are when he is hungry or thirsty, at times of personal distress or when some anxiety over everyday affairs distracts him.”

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6^th August 2022                                               G. R. Kanwal