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Section 1 – Purpose and Scope
1.1 This Code establishes the professional and ethical standards expected of all members of the Judiciary of the Commonwealth of Redmont.1.2 Its purpose is to safeguard the independence, impartiality, and integrity of the courts, and to maintain public confidence in the judicial process.
1.3 This Code applies to all judicial activities, whether in official proceedings, public communications, or private conduct that may affect the perception of the Judiciary.
Section 2 – Core Principles
All judicial officers shall be guided by the following six ethical principles:2.1 Independence: A judge must remain free from external influence, political control, or personal interest.
2.2 Impartiality: Decisions must be based solely on evidence and law, never on favoritism, friendship, or hostility.
2.3 Integrity: Judges must act honestly and uphold the dignity of judicial office at all times.
2.4 Propriety: Judicial officers must avoid conduct that undermines respect for the judiciary or creates an appearance of bias.
2.5 Equality: All persons must be treated fairly and with respect, regardless of background or status.
2.6 Competence and Diligence: Judicial duties must be performed responsibly, punctually, and with professional care.
Section 3 – Conduct in Judicial Duties
3.1 Judges shall ensure that every proceeding is fair, orderly, and transparent.
3.2 A judge shall decide cases impartially and on their merits, applying the law without fear, favor, or prejudice.
3.3 Ex parte communication (private discussion with one party about a case) is prohibited except where expressly authorized by procedure.
3.4 Judges must issue reasoned decisions, clearly stating the facts, applicable law, and reasoning.
3.5 Judges shall not use their position to intimidate, threaten, or influence any litigant or official.
3.6 Judges must uphold confidentiality in deliberations and internal communications.
3.2 A judge shall decide cases impartially and on their merits, applying the law without fear, favor, or prejudice.
3.3 Ex parte communication (private discussion with one party about a case) is prohibited except where expressly authorized by procedure.
3.4 Judges must issue reasoned decisions, clearly stating the facts, applicable law, and reasoning.
3.5 Judges shall not use their position to intimidate, threaten, or influence any litigant or official.
3.6 Judges must uphold confidentiality in deliberations and internal communications.
Section 4 – Conflicts of Interest and Recusal
4.1 Judges must avoid both actual and perceived conflicts of interest.4.2 Failure to voluntarily recuse may justify referral to Congress for investigation.
Section 5 – Conduct Outside Judicial Duties
5.1 Judges and judicial officers must conduct themselves, in public and private life, in a manner consistent with the dignity of judicial office.
5.2 They shall not publicly comment on pending cases or rulings, nor engage in political campaigning that compromises perceived neutrality.
5.3 They may participate in educational or charitable activities, provided such participation does not interfere with judicial responsibilities or create a conflict of interest.
5.4 They must not use their position or title for personal gain or to influence unrelated matters.
5.2 They shall not publicly comment on pending cases or rulings, nor engage in political campaigning that compromises perceived neutrality.
5.3 They may participate in educational or charitable activities, provided such participation does not interfere with judicial responsibilities or create a conflict of interest.
5.4 They must not use their position or title for personal gain or to influence unrelated matters.
Section 6 – Use of Judicial Resources
6.1 Official judiciary accounts, and communication tools shall be used only for legitimate court business.6.2 Improper or political use of judiciary resources is prohibited and subject to disciplinary action for staff or referral for judges and justices.
Section 7 – Enforcement and Discipline
7.1 This Code is binding on all judicial officers, but enforcement differs by role:(a) Clerks, Interns, and Magistrates
● Subject to internal discipline by the Supreme Court.
● Penalties may include warnings, suspension, or dismissal from duty.
(b) Judges and Justices● May not be suspended or removed internally.
● Alleged misconduct or ethical violations shall be referred to Congress for investigation.
● The Supreme Court may publicly censure or warn a judge, but formal discipline rests solely with Congress.
7.2 Complaints regarding judicial conduct may be submitted to the Supreme Court Justices for preliminary review. If credible, they will be forwarded to Congress with a summary of facts and evidence if the judicial officer falls into 7.1(b).7.3 Where misconduct by a clerk or magistrate is found, a written record shall be kept in the judiciary’s internal registry.
Section 8 – Reporting and Transparency
8.1 The Supreme Court Justices shall maintain a record of all disciplinary actions, dismissals, or referrals made under this Code.Section 9 – Public Confidence
9.1 Judges shall act in all things to preserve the dignity of their office and inspire confidence in the Judiciary’s integrity.9.2 Conduct that, even if not illegal, undermines public trust or brings disrepute to the Judiciary, shall be treated as a violation of this Code.