Judicial Ethics

Question 1

A judge must — —- — at — —

Answer 1

Exercise judicial integrity
All times

Question 2

Top 5 judge duties

Answer 2

Impartial, competent, diligent
Promote public confidence in independence, integrity, and impartiality of judiciary

Duties take precedence over personal and extrajudicial affairs

Unmoved by public sentiment

No public statement which migh affect outcome or substantially interfere with fair trial or hearing

Question 3

When are ex parte communications allowed?

Answer 3

1) expressly authorized by law
2) in a mediation/settlement with consent
3) emergencies or administrative matters

Question 4

The emergency/administrative exception to ex parte communications has 4 requirements. What are they?

Answer 4

1) other side cannot be reached
2) emergency or administrative matter that is not substantive
3) no party will gain an advantage
4) other party notified of essence of communication and given opportunity to respond

Question 5

Can judges communicate about pending cases outside the presence of the lawyers?

Answer 5

No, unless it is with court personnel or disinterested legal experts

Question 6

Judges cannot . . .

Answer 6

Conduct an independent investigation of the facts

Question 7

When can a judge be disqualified?

Answer 7

If their impartiality might be questioned, prior involvement in case, judged in other court, practiced in person with matter

Question 8

Membership in an organization that — is prohibited

Answer 8

Discriminates (on the basis of a protected characteristic)
Religious exception