Impartiality refers to the fact of not taking any position in a conflict or during a trial. This value is associated with the concept of neutrality, equity, objectivity and justice (see justice).

Impartiality is considered as a great virtue (see virtue) because it implies justice and rectitude. It forces the one who’s judging to forget any prejudice.

In the case of a conflict resolution, the person in charge of hearing every person or group involved must remain impartial. To do so, they have to put aside their feelings, their opinions and their relationship with the parties. Impartiality allows us to eliminate any form of subjectivity and to remain neutral while making a decision.

However, one may think that it’s impossible to remain unbiased. Even if we try, we can’t just ignore our feelings and our opinions. There will always be one party that we want to rule in favor of. What’s important is not to be neutral, it’s to give a neutral judgment at the end.