Israeli Judicial Watchdog Urges Sensitivity After Judge Cites Children's Book in Ruling

The Israeli Public Complaints Commission for Judges recently published summaries of three decisions addressing judicial conduct and procedural standards. One case involved a judge who quoted from the children's book "Ayelet Travels" in a ruling, drawing criticism from a litigant who found the references mocking and disrespectful. Former Judge Asher Cola, the commission's head, acknowledged that judges may cite literature, including children's books, but emphasized the need for sensitivity to the diverse backgrounds and circumstances of parties involved in court proceedings.

Another complaint concerned the use of WhatsApp video calls for witness testimony in a traffic accident case. The witness testified via a mobile device owned by the plaintiff's attorney, but the testimony lasted under two minutes, was not broadcast to the courtroom, and involved only a single question. Cola stressed that such remote testimony must be conducted transparently, ensuring all participants can see and hear the witness directly, preserving the immediacy and openness of the trial.

A third case involved a self-represented litigant who complained that a court clerk proposed resolving his case under Section 79a of the Courts Law through a settlement without a reasoned judgment or appeal rights. The complainant claimed he did not fully understand the implications and that the explanation was not properly recorded. The commission reiterated the court's duty to maintain comprehensive records, especially in small claims cases where parties lack legal representation, and to document explanations given when settlement procedures are used. While the complaint was deemed justified in principle, the commission issued only remarks, noting that guidelines on record-keeping were recently updated.

These rulings highlight the commission's focus on judicial sensitivity, procedural transparency, and thorough documentation to uphold fairness and trust in the Israeli legal system.