Deuteronomy, Chapter 16, Verse 19

"Lo Tateh Meeshpat Lo Takeer Paneem, Vilo Teekach Shochad- Kee Hashochad Yi'aveir Einei Chachameem Veesaleif Deevrei Tzadeekeem."

"Do not pervert judgment, do not favor anyone and do not take bribes- because bribery blinds the eyes of the wise and makes crooked the words of the righteous."

Overview of the Biblical Text:

The Torah considers a justice system a prerequisite for a civil society. There are numerous times in the Torah where the laws of justice are mentioned. While courts are required to hire wise and righteous judges, there are still reminders to them to keep their courts honest and just. This verse gives three methods for maintaining integrity in court.

1. Do not in any way pervert justice-- Do not favor the rich over the poor or feel bad for the poor and favor him over the rich.
    
2. Do not favor one litigant over another--Treat both of them equally so that they should both feel that they have an equal chance. For example, do not allow one to sit while the other stands.
    
3. Do not take bribes-- no one is immune from the affects of bribery. The Torah warns even the wisest and most righteous judges to refrain from accepting bribes because even they can be swayed in judgment.

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