Disciplinary Responsibilities

(A) A judge having knowledge that another judge has committed a violation of this Code that raises a substantial question as to the judge’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a judge in other respects shall inform the Committee on Judicial Responsibility and Disability or the appropriate authority. (B) A judge having knowledge that a lawyer has committed a violation of the Maine Rules of Professional Conduct that raises a substantial question regarding the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer in other respects shall inform the Board of Overseers of the Bar and any other appropriate authority including disciplinary boards of other jurisdictions in which the lawyer is admitted to practice. The fact that a judge has referred an attorney to the Maine Assistance Program or has filed a disciplinary complaint against an attorney with the Board of Overseers of the Bar does not provide a good faith basis for recusal when the basis for the complaint would not otherwise require recusal. (C) A judge who receives information indicating a substantial likelihood that another judge has committed a violation of this Code should take appropriate action. judge who receives information indicating a substantial (D) A likelihood that a lawyer has committed a violation of the Maine Rules of Professional Conduct should take appropriate action. (E) Acts or omissions of a judge, in the discharge of disciplinary responsibilities required or permitted by sections A through D of this rule, are a part of a judge’s judicial duties and shall be absolutely privileged, and no civil actions predicated thereon may be instituted against the judge. (F) This Rule does not require disclosure of information obtained in the course of a lawyer’s or judge’s participation in the Maine Assistance Program for Lawyers and Judges, or an equivalent peer assistance program approved by a state’s highest court. 20