Certified Judge Advisor Practice Test

How should judges regard personal biases while judging?

1. They should voice their opinions freely.

2. They must remain impartial and objective.

3. They can use them to make decisions.

4. They should keep them secret.

The correct answer is: They must remain impartial and objective.

Judges must remain impartial and objective in their roles to ensure fairness in the legal system. This standard is crucial because personal biases can influence decision-making and undermine the integrity of the judicial process. An impartial judge upholds the principles of justice by focusing solely on the facts presented in a case and the applicable law, rather than allowing personal opinions or feelings to sway their judgments. Judges are expected to set aside their biases to maintain public confidence in the legal system. This impartiality helps foster trust and credibility in legal proceedings, as it assures all parties that they will receive a fair hearing based on evidence and law rather than subjective influences. Remaining objective is fundamental to the rule of law, which emphasizes equality before the law and the fair treatment of all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. Other options suggest alternatives that could compromise impartiality — like voicing personal opinions or using biases in decision-making — or advocate for secrecy surrounding biases, which does not effectively address the importance of striving for impartiality within the justice system.