Quite some time ago, I read an article, in which I stumbled upon a statement to which there is much self-evident truth:
[Justice] must not merely be done, but must also be seen to be done.
The concept here is simple: in a proper system of justice, persons appointed as judges not only be impartial, but they must also be seen as impartial.
Therefore, the impartiality of a judge is questionable who appears to be friendly with any politician, no matter how just he claims or pledges to be, or is, in making decisions in court. The appearance of justice is just as important as justice itself. It is not the case that one is more important than the other; for without one, the system of justice is compromised.
I have reflected upon this a great deal, and thought of an analogy for the realm of love, that goes as follows:
The loyalty of a man towards his woman is questionable who appears to consort with other women, no matter how loyal he claims or pledges to be, or is, to his woman. The appearance of loyalty is just as important as loyalty itself. It is not the case that one is more important than the other; for without one, the loyalty is compromised.
Related: On love and logic
