Legal Definitions - impartial

To be impartial means to be fair and objective, without favoritism or prejudice towards any particular side, person, or viewpoint. It implies making decisions or judgments based solely on facts and evidence, rather than personal feelings, interests, or biases.

• Example 1: A Judge in a Courtroom

  Imagine a judge presiding over a complex civil lawsuit involving two large corporations. For the judge to be impartial, they must listen carefully to the arguments presented by both legal teams, examine all evidence submitted, and apply the relevant laws without any personal preference for one corporation over the other. This means setting aside any personal opinions about the companies' business practices, or any prior acquaintance with individuals involved, to ensure their ruling is based purely on the legal merits of the case.

• Example 2: A Hiring Committee

  Consider a committee tasked with selecting the best candidate for a highly sought-after position within an organization. To act impartially, each committee member must evaluate applicants based strictly on their qualifications, experience, and performance during interviews. They must avoid letting personal connections (e.g., knowing a candidate socially), unconscious biases (e.g., favoring someone from a similar background), or external pressures influence their decision. Their goal is to choose the most qualified individual, free from any undue influence or favoritism.

• Example 3: A Sports Referee

  During an athletic competition, a referee or umpire is expected to be impartial. This means they must apply the rules of the game equally to all teams and players, regardless of their personal preference for a particular team, the crowd's reaction, or the perceived importance of the game. Every call, foul, or penalty must be based on their objective observation of the events as they unfold, ensuring fairness and adherence to the rules for all participants.