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Law vocabulary · Courts & Judges

Impartial

Meaning in law, with examples

/ɪmˈpɑːʃl/adjectiveCommon term

In law, impartial means: Not favouring either side in a dispute, so that the decision is based only on the facts and the law; a basic requirement for judges and arbitrators.

In Turkish: tarafsız, yansız

How it is used

Often paired with 'independent': 'an independent and impartial tribunal' is the wording of Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The noun is 'impartiality'. A judge whose impartiality is in doubt may have to 'recuse' himself or herself, that is, step aside from the case.

Example sentences

  1. Every party is entitled to an impartial judge.

  2. The claimant questioned whether the arbitrator could be impartial, given his past work for the bank.

Common collocations

  • independent and impartial
  • impartial tribunal
  • remain impartial
  • impartial judge
  • judgeA public official who runs a court hearing, listens to both sides and decides the case, or tells the jury how the law applies.
  • judiciaryAll the judges of a country considered as a group, and the branch of the state that interprets the law and decides cases.
  • due processThe principle that the state must follow fair and proper legal procedures, such as giving notice and a chance to be heard, before taking away a person's rights or property.
  • tribunalA body set up to hear and decide particular kinds of disputes, such as employment or tax cases, often less formal than an ordinary court; also an arbitration panel.
  • conflict of interestA situation in which a lawyer or other professional cannot act fairly for someone because of their own interests or a duty they owe to another person.

More terms: Courts & Judges

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.