Audi Alteram Partem

Audi Alteram Partem is a Latin expression in law, which literally means, "hear the other side". It is considered a principle of fundamental justice in most legal systems. A court cannot condemn somebody without first listening to what that person has to say. Moreover, the accused has the right to know what are the charges retained against them and should also be given the chance to refute any accusations.

Audi Alteram Partem is a principle that seems very obvious in any civilized jurisdiction, that nobody can imagine a judgment without such a principle. However, there are still many places in the world where this principle is not respected.

This artwork illustrates the importance of Audi Alteram Partem in the way we communicate and in the way judicial systems operate. I have used masks to depict the different individuals in a courtroom. In life, people always wear different masks in different situations. A person wearing the mask of innocence might find themselves wearing the mask of guilt in another situation. The mask might change, but the person remains the same. Behind the mask lies a great deal of truth, but potentially a great number of lies as well. The role of a court is to reveal the true face behind the mask.

The painting portrays two different masks, one of which is partially superimposed on the other. The front mask represents the accused. The eyes are closed and the lips are sealed; the accused can neither see or speak. Nobody wants to hear what the accused has to say. The second mask, at the back, represents the plaintiff laying charges. The eyes can clearly see and the mouth is the only voice that can be heard. Both masks look like two half-masks fitting the same face to illustrate how these roles can be interchanged.

Is there a third mask in this painting? Well there is a third party and it's not exactly a mask. This third party is the most important element of this courtroom and masks are not important for their role. What's important are their ears. They are the judicial authority hearing the case to make a decision. My painting illustrates only one ear on the left because this courtroom can only hear one side of the story.