External Influences on Judicial Conduct

(A) A judge should be unswayed by partisan interests, public clamor, or fear of criticism. (B) A judge should not allow family, social, or other relationships to influence judicial conduct or judgment. (C) A judge should not convey or permit others to convey the impression that they are in a special position to influence the judge. 10 RULE 2.5 Competence, Diligence, and Cooperation. (A) A judge should perform the duties of the office impartially and diligently. Comment: Prompt disposition of the court's business requires a judge to devote adequate time to the judge's duties, to be punctual in attending court and expeditious in determining matters under submission, and to insist that court officials, litigants and their lawyers cooperate with the judge to that end. (B) A judge should diligently discharge the judge's administrative responsibilities, maintain professional competence in judicial administration, and facilitate the performance of the administrative responsibilities of other judges and court officials. Comment: The duty to act in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary applies to all the judge's activities including the discharge of the judge's adjudicative and administrative responsibilities. (C) A judge should dispose promptly of the business of the court. Comment: In disposing of matters promptly, efficiently and fairly, a judge must demonstrate due regard for the rights of the parties to be heard and to have issues resolved without unnecessary cost or delay. A judge should monitor and supervise cases so as to reduce or eliminate dilatory practices, avoidable delays and unnecessary costs. The duty to hear all proceedings fairly and with patience is not inconsistent with the duty to dispose promptly of the business of the court. Courts can be efficient and business-like while being patient and deliberate.