Letter 82

Isidore of PelusiumA judge or magistrate|isidore pelusium
From: Isidore of Pelusium, monk
To: A judge or magistrate
Date: ~410 AD
Context: Isidore describes the qualities of a truly just judge.

The most just judge of disputed matters, in my opinion, is the one who is not overawed by the highest rank but generously supplies what the weaker party lacks, giving each person their due in matters of honor while maintaining equality for all in matters of judgment — using the measure of justice everywhere. The powerful do not need a judge's help; the weak do. A court that favors the strong is not a court — it is an auction.

Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.

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