אֵין קָטֵגוֹר נַעֲשָׂה סָנֵיגוֹר

ביטוי (אנגלית)

the prosecutor cannot be counsel for defence

הגדרה (אנגלית)

A person whose role is to accuse and speak against the defendant in a trial cannot also take on the role of defending the defendant and speak in his favor. (Originally: gold reminds of the sin of the golden calf which was made of gold, so the High Priest cannot wear it when praying on behalf of Israel.)

(“Rav Chisda said: Why does the High Priest not enter wearing golden garments into the Holy of Holies to perform the service? – Because the prosecutor cannot be counsel for defence” – Rosh Hashanah 26a. Also: “All shofars are valid except for that of a cow, for the cow’s horn recalls the sin of the golden calf, and as is known, the prosecutor cannot be counsel for defence.” – H. Baer, El Makom Sheharuach Holech, 57)