21-100

A judge shall participate in establishing, maintaining and enforcing high standards of conduct, and shall personally observe those standards so that the integrity and independence of the judiciary will be preserved.

[As amended, effective February 16, 1995.]

Commentary

Deference to the judgments and rulings of courts depends upon public confidence in the integrity and independence of judges. The integrity and independence of judges depends in turn upon their acting without fear or favor. A judiciary of integrity is one in which judges are known for their probity, fairness, honesty, uprightness and soundness of character. An independent judiciary is one free of inappropriate outside influences. Although judges should be independent, they must comply with the law, including the provisions of this Code. Public confidence in the impartiality of the judiciary is maintained by the adherence of each judge to this responsibility. Conversely, violation of this Code diminishes public confidence in the judiciary and thereby does injury to the system of government under law.

[Revised, effective August 31, 2004.]

Effect of amendment notes:
The 2004 amendment added a new sentence to the commentary as follows: "A judiciary of integrity is one in which judges are known for their probity, fairness, honesty, uprightness and soundness of character. An independent judiciary is one free of inappropriate outside influences."