Ethics and DV Leadership" in the JEN Website. "Ethics is a critical component of judicial leadership. In order to create sustainable change in domestic violence and sexual assault response systems, a judge must understand the ethical boundaries of his role both on and off the bench. Having a strong grasp of judicial ethics can help a judge define and organize leadership tasks, maintain credibility, and avoid accusations of bias from system partners. In this section, judges can find numerous resources on how judicial ethics intersect with court leadership in a modern jurisdiction.
Ethics Decisions
- The Role of Judges in Community Collaborative Systems
- Provisions from the ABA Model Code of Judicial Conduct which address the Judge's Role in Community Collaborative Systems
Relevant Provisions from Canon 1: A judge shall uphold and promote the, independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary, and shall avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety. Comment to Rule 1.2 - "A judge should initiate and participate in community outreach activities for the purpose of promoting public understanding of and confidence in the administration of justice. In conducting such activities, the judge must act in a manner consistent with this Code. "
Relevant Provisions from Canon 2: A judge shall perform the duties of judicial office impartially, competently, and diligently. Comment to Rule 2.1 - "Although it is not a duty of judicial office unless prescribed by law, judges are encouraged to participate in activities that promote public understanding of and confidence in the justice system."
Comment to Rule 2.2 - "It is not a violation of this Rule for a judge to make reasonable accommodations to ensure pro se litigants the opportunity to have their matters fairly heard." (Also see, Pro Se Litigants) - Ethical cases which address the judge's role in Community Collaborative Systems
Articles
- Opens in new windowSo You're Going to Be a Judge: Ethical Issues for New Judges, American Judges Association
- Ethical Concerns about Judicial Participation
Demeanor in the Courtroom - From Chapter 7 of the Arizona Benchbook on Domestic Violence, this brief excerpt authored by a Judicial Engagement Network judge is an excellent introduction to some of the ethical concerns arising from judicial demeanor in domestic violence cases. - Demeanor in Domestic Violence Cases by Cynthia Gray
An article from the American Judicature's Society on Judicial Ethics (Vol. 32), Judge Gray discusses the complexities of judicial demeanor in domestic violence cases when judges have to engage with victims.