Courts' Duties to Lawyers

1. We will be polite, respectful, and civil to lawyers, parties, and witnesses. We will maintain control of the proceedings, recognizing that judges have both the obligation and the authority to insure that all litigation proceedings are conducted in a civil manner.

2. We will not employ antagonistic, corrupting, or humiliating words in opinions or in written or oral communications with lawyers, parties, or witnesses.

3. We will be punctual in gathering all hearings, meetings, and conferences; if delayed, we will notify counsel, if possible.

4. In preparation all hearings, meetings and conferences we will be thoughtful of time schedules of lawyers, parties, and witnesses.  

5. We will make all logical efforts to decide rapidly all matters presented to us for decision.

6. We will give the issues in controversy deliberate, impartial, and studied analysis and consideration.

7. While attempting to determine disputes efficiently, we will be thoughtful of the time constraints and pressures imposed on lawyers by the exigencies of litigation practice.

8. We recognize that a lawyer has a right and a duty to present a cause correctly, and that a complainant has a right to a fair and impartial hearing. We will allow lawyers to present proper arguments and to make a complete and accurate record.

9. We will not contest the honesty or professionalism of any lawyer on the basis of the clients whom or the causes which a lawyer represents.

10. We will do our best to assure that court employees act civilly toward lawyers, parties, and witnesses.

11. We will not accept procedures that needlessly enlarge litigation expense.