and weaken him in presenting his case.

2 – Our jurists state that the judge must treat the two litigants with strict equality in his glances, his speech, their seating, and the manner in which they enter upon him.

It is forbidden for him to whisper confidentially to either of them, to coach one in his argument, to entertain him as a guest, or to teach him how to frame his claim—unless the claimant has omitted something he is obliged to mention, such as a stipulation, a contract, a cause of inheritance, and the like. In that situation the judge may, out of necessity, ask about it so the claim can be properly formulated, for most litigants are unaware of these requirements, and that the judge may clearly discern the grounds of his ruling.