Code of Judicial Conduct

Section 1

Judges shall perform their judicial duties without favor, bias or prejudice.

Section 2

Judges shall ensure that his or her conduct, both in and out of court, maintains and enhances the confidence of the public, the legal profession and litigants in the impartiality of the judge and of the judiciary.

Rule 3

12. A judge should take no part in a proceeding where the Judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned. These cases include, among others, proceedings where: a) the judge has personal knowledge of disputed evidentiary facts concerning the proceeding; b) the Judge served as executor, administrator, guardian, trustee or lawyer in the case or matters in controversy, or a former associate of the judge served as counsel during their association, or the judge or lawyer was a material witness therein; c) the judge's ruling in a lower court is the subject of review; d) the judge is related by consanguinity or affinity to a party litigant within the sixth degree or to counsel within the fourth degree; e) the judge knows that the judge's spouse or child has a financial interest, as heir, legatee, creditor, fiduciary, or otherwise, in the subject matter in controversy or in a party to the proceeding, or any other interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the proceeding. In every instance the judge shall indicate the legal reason for inhibition. REMITTAL OF DISQUALIFICATION

Section 3

Judges shall, so far as is reasonable, so conduct themselves as to minimize the occasions on which it will be necessary for them to be disqualified from hearing or deciding cases.

Rule 3

02. In every case, a Judge shall endeavor diligently to ascertain the facts and the applicable law unswayed by partisan interests, public opinion or fear of criticism.

Rule 3

10. A judge should take or initiate appropriate disciplinary measures against lawyers or court personnel for unprofessional conduct of which the judge may have become aware.

Rule 3

01. A judge shall be faithful to the law and maintain professional competence.

Rule 3

04. A Judge should be patient, attentive, and courteous to lawyers, especially the inexperienced, to litigants, witnesses, and others appearing before the court. A Judge should avoid unconsciously falling into the attitude of mind that the litigants are made for the courts, instead of the courts for the litigants.

Rule 3

05. A Judge shall dispose of the court's business promptly and decide cases within the required periods.

Rule 3

08. A Judge should diligently discharge administrative responsibilities, maintain professional competence in court management, and facilitate the performance of the administrative functions of other judges and court personnel.

Rule 3

07. A Judge should abstain from making public comments on any pending or impending case and should require similar restraint on the part of court personnel. ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

Rule 3

13. A judge disqualified by the terms of rule 3.12 may, instead of withdrawing from the proceeding, disclose on the record the basis of disqualification. If, based on such disclosure, the parties and lawyers independently of the judge's participation, all agree in writing that the reason for the inhibition is immaterial or insubstantial, the judge may then participate in the proceeding. The agreement, signed by all parties and lawyers, shall be incorporated in the record of the proceeding.

Rule 3

09. A Judge should organize and supervise the court personnel to ensure the prompt and efficient dispatch of business, and require at all times the observance of high standards of public service and fidelity.

Rule 3

06. While a judge may, to promote justice, prevent waste of time or clear up some obscurity, properly intervene in the presentation of evidence during the trial, it should always be borne in mind that undue interference may prevent the proper presentation of the cause or the ascertainment of truth.

Rule 3

03. A judge shall maintain order and proper decorum in the court.

Rule 3

11. A judge should appoint commissioners, receivers, trustees, guardians, administrators and others strictly on the basis of merit and qualifications, avoiding nepotism and favoritism. Unless otherwise allowed by law, the same criteria should be observed in recommending appointment of court personnel. Where the payment of compensation is allowed, it should be reasonable and commensurate with the fair value of services rendered. DISQUALIFICATIONS

Section 4

Judges shall not knowingly, while a proceeding is before, or could come before, them make any comment that might reasonably be expected to affect the outcome of such proceeding or impair the manifest fairness of the process. Nor shall judges make any comment in public or otherwise that might affect the fair trial of any person or issue.

Section 6

A judge disqualified as stated above may, instead of withdrawing from the proceeding, disclose on the records the basis of disqualification. If, based on such disclosure, the parties and lawyers independently of the judge's participation, all agree in writing that the reason for the inhibition is immaterial or unsubstantial, the judge may then participate in the proceeding. The agreement, signed by all parties and lawyers, shall be incorporated in the record of the proceedings. Propriety and the appearance of propriety are essential to the performance of all the activities of a judge.