Preserving the Dignity of the Court and Legal Profession; Judges' Ethical Duties

Question 1

Do not state or imply an ability to..

Answer 1

improperly influence a tribunal, legislative body or public official.

Question 2

Do not make gifts or loans of value to court personnel if…

Answer 2

it could appear to be for influence.

Question 3

If you hold public office, do not use your position to…

Answer 3

obtain an advantage for you or your client when it is not in the public interest.

Question 4

Don’t try to actually influence anybody improperly. Before and during trial you must not directly or indirectly communicate with…

Answer 4

prospective or empaneled jurors or their families.

Question 5

After a trial ends, you may…

Answer 5

interview consenting jurors.

Question 6

No “chicanery”, a.k.a…

Answer 6

trickery, especially by lawyers and politicians! e.g. referring to inadmissible material or matters unsupported by evidence, asserting personal knowledge of facts at issue before a jury.

Question 7

Refrain from abusive or obstreperous conduct. A comment to the Rule states:

Answer 7

“A lawyer must stand firm against abuse by a judge but should avoid reciprocation….”

Question 8

Preserve the tribunal’s dignity. Do not make comments on…

Answer 8

the qualifications or integrity of a judge or officer with reckless disregard of their accuracy.

Question 9

You have an affirmative duty to _________ cases.

Answer 9

expedite

Question 10

You have a duty to follow valid procedural rules and court orders, unless…

Answer 10

you are making a good faith challenge to their validity.

Question 11

Do not abuse or abstruct….

Answer 11

discovery.

Question 12

Judges, including retired and substitute judges, are expected to maintain high standards of…

Answer 12

integrity and independence to promote public confidence and impartiality.

Question 13

Judges should disqualify themselves if they…

Answer 13

have a personal or financial interest in a case, or personal knowledge or prior involvement with it.

Question 14

In court, judges should:

Answer 14

• avoid any appearance of bias or prejudice
• be fair and efficient
• avoid ex parte communications, and
• avoid public statements about a case.

Question 15

In outside activities, judges must:

Answer 15

• report their income from all sources
• usually not accept substantial gifts or loans
• avoid public organizations that practice invidious or illegal discrimination and political causes (educational and charitable work is allowed), and
• not misuse judicial prestige to advance private interests.

Question 16

active judges must not serve as…

Answer 16

a private judge, arbitrator or mediator, practice law, or run for office.