Ensuring the Right to Be Heard

(A) A judge shall accord to every person who has a legal interest in a proceeding, or that person’s lawyer, the right to be heard according to law. (B) A judge may encourage parties to a proceeding and their lawyers to settle matters in dispute but shall not act in a manner that forces any 12 party to settle. A judge may participate in case management conferences, judicial settlement conferences, and dispositional conferences, and such participation alone does not disqualify the judge from participating in later adjudicatory proceedings. (C) A judge may take affirmative steps, consistent with the law, as the judge deems appropriate to enable an unrepresented litigant to be heard. A judge may explain the requirements of applicable rules and statutes so that a person appearing before the judge understands the process to be employed. A judge may also inform unrepresented individuals of free or reduced cost legal or other assistance that is available in the courthouse or elsewhere.