LEV451 Judge all parties fairly and equally. Key concept: Ensure the smooth functioning of society. If a judge gives preferential treatment to one litigant, the other litigant might be afraid to state his claims. Or, because he feels intimidated, he might be unable to state his claims clearly. Such could cause the court to rule incorrectly. The mitzvah also applies to Torah scholars who are called upon to settle disputes to the best of their ability outside of court. Also included in this mitzvah is that all Jews must judge their fellows favorably by giving them the benefit of the doubt. That is, if someone’s acts or words can be interpreted as sinful or not sinful, one is obligated to interpret them as not sinful. Such behavior promotes peace, unity and goodwill. The main purpose of this mitzvah is to aid society by stopping people from suspecting one another.