TT #621 · Parashas Ki Seitzei · Seventh Aliyah · Passuk 25:02
And it shall be, if the wicked one is to be flogged, the judge shall cause him to lie down and be beaten in his presence, according to his guilt, by number.
Torah Temimah points to Sifrei Devarim.
TT lemma: וְהִכָּהוּ לְפָנָיו.
English: ‘And he shall strike him before him’ – this teaches that the one administering the lashes must have his eyes on the person being flogged, and not have his eyes on something else.
Derash on the phrase ‘before him’ (Sifrei) — the spatial expression is read as requiring focused attention.
The administrator of lashes may not look away; the Torah requires constant visual supervision so that the punishment remains measured and does not endanger life.