Ethics

Question 1

What is a “judicial canon”?

Answer 1

An ethical standard of conduct for members of the judiciary.

Question 2

What is the purpose of the “Code of Judicial Conduct”?

Answer 2

It provides basic standards of ethical rules for judges.

Question 3

Ethical conduct for a clerk is?

Answer 3

Predicting future revenue for a court.

Question 4

What does consanguinity mean?

Answer 4

Relationship by blood

Question 5

In what situation does the “Code of Judicial Conduct” govern the judge’s behavior?

Answer 5

In and out of the courtroom, including social situations

Question 6

What is a judge not allowed to do?

Answer 6

Talk on the telephone to a defendant about his or her case
Talk in the office to a defendant about his or her case
Read the notes on the back of the citation

Question 7

What is a clerk not allowed to do?

Answer 7

Advise a defendant to ask the judge for a deferred disposition
Prohibit a city council member from attending court
Tell the judge rumors about a case

Question 8

In order to attain and maintain integrity and professionalism, clerks should always:

Answer 8

Adopt time and stress management skills

Question 9

The State Commission of Judicial Conduction, at times, may request investigative assistance from the:

Answer 9

Department of Public Safety
Texas Ranger Services
District Attorney’s Offices

Question 10

Information and records maintained by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct are governed by:

Answer 10

Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration
Texas Constitution
Texas Government Code

Question 11

True/False

Is it improper conduct for a judge to fail to conduct court business in a timely manner.

Answer 11

True

Question 12

True/False

Court clerks should follow the canons of ethical conduct for judges.

Answer 12

True

Question 13

True/False

Municipal court clerks may be sanctioned by the State Commission of Judicial Conduction.

Answer 13

False

Question 14

True/False

Clerks may recommend specific driving safety schools to defendants.

Answer 14

False

Question 15

True/False
It is considered legal advice when a clerk explains to a defendant that the judge cannot hear his or her side of the case outside of a trial.

Answer 15

False

Question 16

True/False

It is not legal or ethical for a clerk to explain to a defendant how to complete (fill out) an appeal bond.

Answer 16

True

Question 17

True/False
If a clerk determines that there is an error on a traffic citation, he or she should tell the judge so that the judge can dismiss the case.

Answer 17

False

Question 18

True/False

It is proper conduct for a clerk to tell a judge about a defendant’s belligerent attitude.

Answer 18

False

Question 19

True/False

What a person considers to be ethical may depend on a person’s value system.

Answer 19

True

Question 20

True/False

Prior to filing a written complaint, the complainant may contact the State Commission of Judicial by phone.

Answer 20

True

Question 21

True/False

The State Commission o Judicial Conduct is governed by the Texas Public Information Act.

Answer 21

False

Question 22

True/False

The court’s letterhead can be used to promote a charity event for Crime Stoppers.

Answer 22

False

Question 23

True/False

It is often the role of the court clerk to protect the judge from ex parte communication.

Answer 23

False

Question 24

True/False

A municipal court clerk is a public servant.

Answer 24

True