Exodus 23:6 "You shall not pervert the judgment of the needy in his cause"

Even the most terrible criminal is entitled to a fair trial.

A judge must study the facts carefully and not be persuaded or impressed by the nature of the person he is judging.

This Negative Mitzvah cautions the judge not to declare a person guilty just because he is known to be dishonest or evil, without first looking at the facts of the case.