The dangers of judges imposing their theology on litigants
Deseret News
Last updated: September 7, 2026
Judges are expected to administer justice impartially, without imposing their personal religious beliefs or theological interpretations on litigants. This principle ensures fairness and upholds the separation of church and state within the legal system. The article warns against judges allowing their own theology to dictate legal decisions.
- Judges must avoid injecting their personal theological views into legal proceedings. The core principle is that judicial decisions should be based on law and evidence, not on a judge's private religious convictions. Allowing personal theology to influence judgments undermines the impartiality required of the judiciary.
- Litigants have a right to have their cases decided based on applicable laws and factual evidence, free from the imposition of a judge's religious worldview. The judicial role is to interpret and apply the law, not to proselytize or enforce a specific theological stance.
- This practice is seen as a fundamental threat to due process and the secular nature of the justice system. When a judge's theology supersedes legal standards, it risks creating arbitrary and unfair outcomes for those appearing before the court.
- The text emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between a judge's personal faith and their professional obligations to dispense justice equally to all individuals, regardless of their beliefs.
