What must a judge do if one litigant arrives in expensive clothes while the other is dressed poorly?
The judge must address the disparity in dress before hearing any claims — asking the richer party to dress more modestly or to provide comparable clothing to the other, to ensure equal dignity.
Question 2
When multiple cases are before the court, whose case takes priority?
The order of precedence is: orphan first, then woman (widow), then Torah scholar, then common person — reflecting Torah's concern for the most vulnerable.
Question 3
Is a judge permitted to hear claims from one litigant before the other arrives?
Hearing claims from one litigant outside the other's presence is strictly forbidden — this is a form of ex parte communication that could compromise impartiality.
Question 4
When may a judge use a translator in court?
A judge may not rely on a translator unless he understands the language himself. This way he can verify that the translation is accurate and not missing nuance.
Question 5
If a litigant has a valid legal argument but cannot articulate it, what may the judge do?
A judge may assist a struggling litigant in articulating a valid argument — but must stop short of becoming an advocate. This balances fairness with proper judicial restraint.