# MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/court_rules%3Amd%3A42edbd015890a69b ## Record - **Collection:** Court rules - **Document type:** Court rule ## Text MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 100 - MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT GENERAL PROVISIONS, SCOPE, DEFINITIONS, AND PREAMBLE OF THE CODE Rule 18-100.1. Rule 18-100.2. Rule 18-100.3. Rule 18-100.4. GENERAL PROVISIONS SCOPE DEFINITIONS PREAMBLE RULES GOVERNING JUDICIAL INTEGRITY AND THE AVOIDANCE OF IMPROPRIETY Rule 18-101.1. Rule 18-101.2. Rule 18-101.3. COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW (ABA RULE 1.1) PROMOTING CONFIDENCE IN THE JUDICIARY (ABA RULE (1.2) AVOIDING LENDING THE PRESTIGE OF JUDICIAL OFFICE (ABA RULE 1.3) RULES GOVERNING THE PERFORMANCE OF JUDICIAL DUTIES Rule 18-102.1. GIVING PRECEDENCE TO THE DUTIES OF JUDICIAL OFFICE (ABA RULE 2.1) Rule 18-102.2. IMPARTIALITY AND FAIRNESS (ABA RULE 2.2) Rule 18-102.3. BIAS, PREJUDICE, AND HARASSMENT (ABA RULE 2.3) Rule 18-102.4. EXTERNAL INFLUENCE ON JUDICIAL CONDUCT (ABA RULE 2.4) Rule 18-102.5. COMPETENCE, DILIGENCE, AND COOPERATION (ABA RULE 2.5) Rule 18-102.6. ENSURING THE RIGHT TO BE HEARD (ABA RULE 2.6) Rule 18-102.7. RESPONSIBILITY TO DECIDE (ABA RULE 2.7) Rule 18-102.8. DECORUM, DEMEANOR, AND COMMUNICATION WITH JURORS (ABA RULE 2.8) Rule 18-102.9. EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS (ABA RULE 2.9) Rule 18-102.10. JUDICIAL STATEMENTS ON PENDING AND IMPENDING CASES (ABA RULE 2.10) Rule 18-102.11. DISQUALIFICATION (ABA RULE 2.11) Rule 18-102.12. SUPERVISORY DUTIES (ABA RULE 2.12) Rule 18-102.13. ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS (ABA RULE 2.13) Rule 18-102.14. DISABILITY AND IMPAIRMENT OF OTHERS (ABA RULE 2.14) Rule 18-102.15. Rule 18-102.16. RESPONDING TO JUDICIAL AND ATTORNEY MISCONDUCT (ABA RULE 2.15) COOPERATION WITH DISCIPLINARY AUTHORITIES (ABA RULE 2.16) RULES GOVERNING EXTRAJUDICIAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-103.1. EXTRA-OFFICIAL ACTIVITIES IN GENERAL (ABA RULE 3.1) Rule 18-103.2. APPEARANCES BEFORE GOVERNMENTAL BODIES AND CONSULTATION WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS (ABA RULE 3.2) Rule 18-103.3. TESTIFYING AS A CHARACTER WITNESS (ABA RULE 3.3) Rule 18-103.4. APPOINTMENT TO GOVERNMENTAL POSITIONS (ABA RULE 3.4) Rule 18-103.5. USE OF NONPUBLIC INFORMATION (ABA RULE 3.5) Rule 18-103.6. AFFILIATION WITH DISCRIMINATORY ORGANIZATIONS (ABA RULE 3.6) Rule 18-103.7. PARTICIPATION IN EDUCATIONAL, RELIGIOUS, CHARITABLE, FRATERNAL, OR CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES (ABA RULE 3.7) Rule 18-103.8. APPOINTMENTS TO FIDUCIARY POSITIONS (ABA RULE 3.8) Rule 18-103.9. SERVICE AS ARBITRATOR OR MEDIATOR (ABA RULE 3.9) Rule 18-103.10. PRACTICE OF LAW (ABA RULE 3.10) Rule 18-103.11. FINANCIAL, BUSINESS, OR REMUNERATIVE ACTIVITIES (ABA RULE 3.11) Rule 18-103.12. COMPENSATION FOR EXTRA-JUDICIAL ACTIVITIES (ABA RULE 3.12) Rule 18-103.13. ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS, LOANS, BEQUESTS, BENEFITS, OR OTHER THINGS OF VALUE (ABA RULE 3.13) Rule 18-103.14. REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES AND WAIVERS OF FEES OR CHARGES (ABA RULE 3.14) Rule 18-103.15. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS (ABA RULE 3.15) RULES GOVERNING POLITICAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-104.1. Rule 18-104.2. Rule 18-104.3. Rule 18-104.4. Rule 18-104.5. Rule 18-104.6. DEFINITIONS (ABA RULE 4.1) POLITICAL CONDUCT OF JUDGE WHO IS NOT A CANDIDATE (ABA RULE 4.2) POLITICAL CONDUCT OF APPLICANT (ABA RULE 4.3) POLITICAL CONDUCT OF CANDIDATE FOR ELECTION (ABA RULE 4.4) POLITICAL CONDUCT OF DISTRICT COURT CANDIDATE FOR RETENTION (ABA RULE 4.5) APPLICABILITY AND DISCIPLINE (ABA RULE 4.6) -2- CHAPTER 200 - MARYLAND CODE OF CONDUCT FOR JUDICIAL APPOINTEES GENERAL PROVISIONS, SCOPE, AND DEFINITIONS Rule 18-200.1. Rule 18-200.2. Rule 18-200.3. GENERAL PROVISIONS SCOPE DEFINITIONS RULES GOVERNING INTEGRITY AND THE AVOIDANCE OF IMPROPRIETY Rule 18-201.1. Rule 18-201.2. Rule 18-201.3. COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW PROMOTING CONFIDENCE IN THE JUDICIARY AVOIDING LENDING THE PRESTIGE OF THE POSITION RULES GOVERNING THE PERFORMANCE OF A JUDICIAL APPOINTEE’S DUTIES Rule 18-202.1. GIVING PRECEDENCE TO THE DUTIES OF POSITION Rule 18-202.2. IMPARTIALITY AND FAIRNESS Rule 18-202.3. BIAS, PREJUDICE, AND HARASSMENT Rule 18-202.4. EXTERNAL INFLUENCES ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT Rule 18-202.5. COMPETENCE, DILIGENCE, AND COOPERATION Rule 18-206.6. ENSURING THE RIGHT TO BE HEARD Rule 18-206.7. RESPONSIBILITY TO DECIDE Rule 18-202.8. DECORUM AND DEMEANOR Rule 18-202.9. EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS Rule 18-202.10. STATEMENTS ON PENDING AND IMPENDING CASES Rule 18-202.11. DISQUALIFICATION Rule 18-202.12. SUPERVISORY DUTIES Rule 18-202.13. ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS Rule 18-202.14. DISABILITY AND IMPAIRMENT OR OTHERS Rule 18-202.15. RESPONDING TO JUDICIAL AND ATTORNEY MISCONDUCT Rule 18-202.16. COOPERATION WITH DISCIPLINARY AUTHORITIES RULES GOVERNING EXTRA-OFFICIAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-203.1. Rule 18-203.2. Rule 18-203.3. Rule 18-203.4. Rule 18-203.5. Rule 18-203.6. EXTRA-OFFICIAL ACTIVITIES IN GENERAL APPEARANCES BEFORE GOVERNMENTAL BODIES AND CONSULTATION WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TESTIFYING AS A CHARACTER WITNESS APPOINTMENT TO GOVERNMENTAL POSITIONS USE OF NONPUBLIC INFORMATION AFFILIATION WITH DISCRIMINATORY ORGANIZATIONS -3- Rule 18-203.7. PARTICIPATION IN EDUCATIONAL, RELIGIOUS, CHARITABLE, FRATERNAL, OR CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES Rule 18-203.8. APPOINTMENTS TO FIDUCIARY POSITIONS Rule 18-203.9. SERVICE AS ARBITRATOR OR MEDIATOR Rule 18-203.10. PRACTICE OF LAW Rule 18-203.11. FINANCIAL, BUSINESS, OR REMUNERATIVE ACTIVITIES Rule 18-203.12. COMPENSATION FOR EXTRA-OFFICIAL ACTIVITIES Rule 18-203.13. ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS, LOANS, BEQUESTS, BENEFITS, OR OTHER THINGS OF VALUE Rule 18-203.14. REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES AND WAIVERS OF FEES OR CHARGES Rule 18-203.15. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS RULES GOVERNING POLITICAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-204.1. Rule 18-204.2. Rule 18-204.3. Rule 18-204.4. Rule 18-204.5. DEFINITIONS POLITICAL CONDUCT OF JUDICIAL APPOINTEE WHO IS NOT A CANDIDATE POLITICAL CONDUCT OF APPLICANT POLITICAL CONDUCT OF CANDIDATE FOR ELECTION APPLICABILITY AND DISCIPLINE CHAPTER 300 - JUDICIAL ETHICS COMMITTEE Rule 18-301. Rule 18-302. Rule 18-303. Rule 18-304. Rule 18-305. Rule 18-306. Rule 18-307. Rule 18-308. DEFINITIONS EXISTENCE; MEMBERSHIP; TERMS CHAIR; VICE CHAIR; STAFF MEETINGS; QUORUM DUTIES REQUEST FOR OPINION OPINION; LETTER OF ADVICE PROTECTION FROM CHARGE OF VIOLATION CHAPTER 400 - JUDICIAL DISCIPLINE Rule 18-401. Rule 18-402. Rule 18-403. Rule 18-404. Rule 18-405. Rule 18-406. Rule 18-407. Rule 18-408. Rule 18-409. COMMISSION ON JUDICIAL DISABILITIES - DEFINITIONS COMMISSION JUDICIAL INQUIRY BOARD COMPLAINTS; PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS FURTHER INVESTIGATION DISPOSITION WITHOUT PROCEEDINGS ON CHARGES PROCEEDINGS BEFORE COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS IN COURT OF APPEALS PUBLIC ACCESS -4- CHAPTER 500 - MARRIAGE CEREMONIES Rule 18-501. Rule 18-502. Rule 18-503. Rule 18-504. SCOPE OF CHAPTER SCHEDULING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS RESTRICTIONS CHAPTER 600 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Rule 18-601. Rule 18-602. Rule 18-603. Rule 18-604. JUDICIAL LEAVE REPORTS BY CIRCUIT COURT JUDGES FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT BY JUDGES FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT BY JUDICIAL APPOINTEES -5- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 - MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL PROVISIONS, SCOPE, DEFINITIONS, AND PREAMBLE OF THE CODE Rule 18-100.1. GENERAL PROVISIONS (a) Source and Structure of the Code (b) Interpretive Provisions (1) Discipline (2) Accompanying Comments (3) Rules of Reason (4) Collateral Effect (5) Judicial Ethics Committee Opinion Rule 18-100.2. SCOPE Rule 18-100.3. DEFINITIONS (a) Domestic Partner (b) Fiduciary (c) Gift (d) Impartial (e) Impending Matter (f) Independence (g) Knowingly (h) Member of Judge’s or Candidate’s Family (i) Member of Judge’s or Candidate’s Household (j) Pending Matter (k) Significant Financial Interest (l) Third Degree of Relationship Rule 18-100.4. PREAMBLE (a) Importance of Independent, Fair, Competent, Impartial Judiciary (b) Dignity of Judicial Office (c) Function of Code of Judicial Conduct -6- RULES GOVERNING JUDICIAL INTEGRITY AND THE AVOIDANCE OF IMPROPRIETY Rule 18-101.1. COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW (ABA RULE 1.1) Rule 18-101.2. PROMOTING CONFIDENCE IN THE JUDICIARY (ABA RULE (1.2) (a) Promoting Public Confidence (b) Avoiding Perception of Impropriety Rule 18-101.3. AVOIDING LENDING THE PRESTIGE OF JUDICIAL OFFICE (ABA RULE 1.3) RULES GOVERNING THE PERFORMANCE OF JUDICIAL DUTIES Rule 18-102.1. GIVING PRECEDENCE TO THE DUTIES OF JUDICIAL OFFICE (ABA RULE 2.1) Rule 18-102.2. IMPARTIALITY AND FAIRNESS (ABA RULE 2.2) Rule 18-102.3. BIAS, PREJUDICE, AND HARASSMENT (ABA RULE 2.3) Rule 18-102.4. EXTERNAL INFLUENCE ON JUDICIAL CONDUCT (ABA RULE 2.4) Rule 18-102.5. COMPETENCE, DILIGENCE, AND COOPERATION (ABA RULE 2.5) Rule 18-102.6. ENSURING THE RIGHT TO BE HEARD (ABA RULE 2.6) Rule 18-102.7. RESPONSIBILITY TO DECIDE (ABA RULE 2.7) Rule 18-102.8. DECORUM, DEMEANOR, AND COMMUNICATION WITH JURORS (ABA RULE 2.8) Rule 18-102.9. EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS (ABA RULE 2.9) Rule 18-102.10. JUDICIAL STATEMENTS ON PENDING AND IMPENDING CASES (ABA RULE 2.10) Rule 18-102.11. DISQUALIFICATION (ABA RULE 2.11) Rule 18-102.12. SUPERVISORY DUTIES (ABA RULE 2.12) Rule 18-102.13. ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS (ABA RULE 2.13) Rule 18-102.14. DISABILITY AND IMPAIRMENT OF OTHERS (ABA RULE 2.14) -7- Rule 18-102.15. RESPONDING TO JUDICIAL AND ATTORNEY MISCONDUCT (ABA RULE 2.15) Rule 18-102.16. COOPERATION WITH DISCIPLINARY AUTHORITIES (ABA RULE 2.16) RULES GOVERNING EXTRAJUDICIAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-103.1. EXTRA-OFFICIAL ACTIVITIES IN GENERAL (ABA RULE 3.1) Rule 18-103.2. APPEARANCES BEFORE GOVERNMENTAL BODIES AND CONSULTATION WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS (ABA RULE 3.2) Rule 18-103.3. TESTIFYING AS A CHARACTER WITNESS (ABA RULE 3.3) Rule 18-103.4. APPOINTMENT TO GOVERNMENTAL POSITIONS (ABA RULE 3.4) Rule 18-103.5. USE OF NONPUBLIC INFORMATION (ABA RULE 3.5) Rule 18-103.6. AFFILIATION WITH DISCRIMINATORY ORGANIZATIONS (ABA RULE 3.6) Rule 18-103.7. PARTICIPATION IN EDUCATIONAL, RELIGIOUS, CHARITABLE, FRATERNAL, OR CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES (ABA RULE 3.7) Rule 18-103.8. APPOINTMENTS TO FIDUCIARY POSITIONS (ABA RULE 3.8) Rule 18-103.9. SERVICE AS ARBITRATOR OR MEDIATOR (ABA RULE 3.9) Rule 18-103.10. PRACTICE OF LAW (ABA RULE 3.10) (a) In General (b) Exceptions Rule 18-103.11. FINANCIAL, BUSINESS, OR REMUNERATIVE ACTIVITIES (ABA RULE 3.11) Rule 18-103.12. COMPENSATION FOR EXTRA-JUDICIAL ACTIVITIES (ABA RULE 3.12) Rule 18-103.13. ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS, LOANS, BEQUESTS, BENEFITS, OR OTHER THINGS OF VALUE (ABA RULE 3.13) -8- Rule 18-103.14. REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES AND WAIVERS OF FEES OR CHARGES (ABA RULE 3.14) Rule 18-103.15. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS (ABA RULE 3.15) RULES GOVERNING POLITICAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-104.1. DEFINITIONS (ABA RULE 4.1) (a) Applicant (b) Candidate (c) Candidate for Election (d) District Court Candidate for Retention (e) Political Organization Rule 18-104.2. POLITICAL CONDUCT OF JUDGE WHO IS NOT A CANDIDATE (ABA RULE 4.2) Rule 18-104.3. POLITICAL CONDUCT OF APPLICANT (ABA RULE 4.3) Rule 18-104.4. POLITICAL CONDUCT OF CANDIDATE FOR ELECTION (ABA RULE 4.4) Rule 18-104.5. POLITICAL CONDUCT OF DISTRICT COURT CANDIDATE FOR RETENTION (ABA RULE 4.5) Rule 18-104.6. APPLICABILITY AND DISCIPLINE (ABA RULE 4.6) -9- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT GENERAL PROVISIONS, SCOPE, DEFINITIONS, AND PREAMBLE OF THE CODE Rule 18-100.1. GENERAL PROVISIONS (a) Source and Structure of the Code The substantive provisions and much of the structure of this Code are based in large part on the 2007 Model Code of Judicial Conduct proposed by the American Bar Association (ABA Model Code), although some of those provisions and some of the style and organization of this Code differ from the ABA Model Code. Most of the differences are necessary for consistency with the Maryland Constitution, Maryland statutes, and other Maryland Rules. Committee note: This Code is divided into five parts: an introductory part consisting of Rules 18-100.1 through 18-100.4; a part consisting of Rules 18-101.1 through 18-101.3 that deal with judicial integrity and the avoidance of impropriety; a part consisting of Rules 18-102.1 through 18-102.16 that deal with the performance of judicial duties; a part consisting of Rules 18103.1 through 18-103.15 that deal generally with extrajudicial activities; and a part consisting of Rules 18-104.1 through 18104.6 that deal with political activity. This structure conforms generally to that of the ABA Model Code but differs from the ABA Model Code in the following principal respects: (1) This Code assigns each Rule of Judicial Conduct a Maryland Rule number, but, the Maryland Rule numbering conforms to that of the ABA Model Code so that the parallel will be obvious. Thus, for example, ABA Rule 1.1 (Compliance with the Law) is Maryland Rule 18-101.1, which also is captioned “Compliance with the Law.” -10- (2) This Code consolidates and reorganizes the Preamble, Scope, Application, and Terminology provisions of the ABA Model Code into Rules 18-100.1 through 18-100.4. Although the Preamble is aspirational in nature, the Scope, Application, and Terminology provisions are more substantive and should be in the form of Rules. (3) The 2007 ABA Code proposed a new and much different structure and format. The enforceable ethical commands in previous Codes were stated in the form of specific Canons, to which were appended interpretative Comments. The enforceable ethical commands in the 2007 ABA Code are stated in the form of Rules that are supplemented by interpretative Comments and headed by very brief and general statements denominated as Canons. The 2007 ABA Code acknowledges that a judge may be disciplined only for violating a Rule, but it regards the Canons as providing guidance in interpreting the Rules. That guidance, however, is more precisely the function of the Comments under each Rule. The Canons themselves appear to be merely descriptive of the subject matter of the Rules. To avoid any ambiguity over the significance of the Canons and to make clear that attention must be focused on the Rules and the Comments, this Code eliminates the Canons and uses instead a descriptive statement of the Rules in each part. (4) The 2007 ABA Code contains provisions regarding political activity and financial disclosure by judges. This Code reorganizes those provisions and conforms them to the different methods by which judges in Maryland are selected and retained and to requirements enacted by the Maryland General Assembly or adopted by the Court of Appeals. The intent is to make more clear to each judge and candidate for judicial office what is allowed and what is not allowed. (b) Interpretive Provisions (1) Discipline (A) A judge may be disciplined only for violating a Rule. If a Rule contains a permissive term, such as "may" or "should," the conduct being addressed is committed to the personal and professional discretion of the judge or candidate in question, and no disciplinary action should be taken for action or inaction within the bounds of that discretion. -11- (B) Although the text of the Rules is binding and enforceable, it is not contemplated that every transgression will result in the imposition of discipline. Whether discipline should be imposed should be determined through a reasonable and reasoned application of the Rules and should depend upon factors such as the seriousness of the transgression, the facts and circumstances at the time of the transgression, the extent of any pattern of improper activity, whether there have been previous violations, and the effect of the improper activity upon the judicial system or others. (2) Accompanying Comments (A) The Comments that accompany the Rules contain explanatory material and, in some instances, provide examples of permitted or prohibited conduct. (B) Comments neither add to nor subtract from the binding obligations set forth in the Rules. Therefore, when a Comment contains the term "must," it does not mean that the Comment itself is binding or enforceable but merely signifies that the Rule in question, properly understood, is obligatory as to the conduct at issue. (C) The Comments also may identify aspirational goals for judges. To implement fully the principles of this Code, judges should hold themselves to the highest ethical standards and seek to achieve those aspirational goals, thereby enhancing the dignity of the judicial office. (3) Rules of Reason -12- The Rules in this Code are rules of reason that should be applied in a manner that is consistent with Constitutional requirements, statutes, other Court Rules, and decisional law and that gives due regard for all relevant circumstances. The Rules should not be interpreted to impinge upon the essential independence of judges in making judicial decisions. (4) Collateral Effect This Code is not designed or intended as a basis for civil or criminal liability. It is also not intended to be the basis for litigants to seek collateral remedies against each other or to obtain tactical advantages in proceedings before a court. (5) Judicial Ethics Committee Opinion In interpreting this Code, attention should be given to the opinions of the Judicial Ethics Committee and, if appropriate, that Committee should be asked for a written letter of advice or a binding opinion. Cross reference: See Rule 18-308, protecting a judge from a charge of violating an ethics provision in this Code if the judge has requested and received an opinion or advice letter from the Committee and is in compliance with that opinion or advice letter or is in compliance with a published opinion of the Committee. Source: This Rule is new but is derived from paragraphs A-101 through A-108 of former Rule 16-813 (2016). -13- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT GENERAL PROVISIONS, SCOPE, DEFINITIONS, AND PREAMBLE OF THE CODE Rule 18-100.2. SCOPE The Rules in this Chapter apply to: (a) Incumbent judges of the Court of Appeals, the Court of Special Appeals, the circuit courts, and the District Court; (b) Except as otherwise expressly provided in specific Rules, incumbent judges of the Orphans' Courts; (c) Except as otherwise expressly provided in specific Rules, retired judges who are approved for recall for temporary service pursuant to Code, Courts Article, §1-302; and (d) Candidates and applicants for judicial office as defined in Rule 18-104.1, to the extent that a Rule expressly applies to such candidates or applicants. Source: This Rule is derived from paragraph A-109 of former Rule 16-813 (2016). -14- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT GENERAL PROVISIONS, SCOPE, DEFINITIONS, AND PREAMBLE OF THE CODE Rule 18-100.3. DEFINITIONS In the Rules in this Chapter, the following definitions apply except as otherwise expressly provided or as necessary implication requires: (a) Domestic Partner "Domestic partner" means an individual with whom another individual maintains a household and an intimate relationship, other than an individual to whom he or she is legally married. (b) Fiduciary "Fiduciary" includes relationships such as administrator, attorney-in-fact by power of attorney, personal representative, and trustee. (c) Gift (1) Except as provided in subsection (c)(2) of this Rule, "gift" means the transfer of anything of economic value, regardless of form, without adequate and lawful consideration. (2) "Gift" does not include the solicitation, acceptance, receipt, or regulation of a political contribution that is regulated in accordance with: (A) the Election Law Article of the Maryland Code; or (B) any other Maryland law regulating the conduct of -15- elections or the receipt of political contributions. (d) Impartial "Impartial," "impartiality," and "impartially" mean absence of bias or prejudice in favor of, or against, particular parties or classes of parties, as well as maintenance of an open mind in considering issues that may come before a judge. (e) Impending Matter "Impending matter" means a matter that is imminent or expected to occur in the near future. (f) Independence "Independence" means a judge's freedom from influence or controls other than those established by law. (g) Knowingly "Knowingly," "knowledge," "known," and "knows" mean actual knowledge of the fact in question. An individual’s knowledge may be inferred from circumstances. (h) Member of Judge's or Candidate's Family "Member of a [judge's] [candidate's] family" means a spouse, domestic partner, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent, or other relative or individual with whom the judge or candidate maintains a close familial relationship. (i) Member of Judge's or Candidate's Household "Member of [judge's] [candidate's] household" means: (1) if sharing the judge's or candidate's legal residence, the judge's or candidate's spouse, domestic partner, child, ward, financially dependent parent, or other financially dependent -16- relative; or (2) the judge's or candidate's spouse, child, ward, parent, or other relative, over whose financial affairs the judge or candidate has legal or actual control. (j) Pending Matter "Pending matter" means a matter that has commenced. A matter continues to be pending through any appellate process until final disposition. (k) Significant Financial Interest (1) "Significant financial interest" means ownership of: (A) an interest as the result of which the owner has received within the past three years, is currently receiving, or in the future is entitled to receive, more than $1,000 per year; (B) more than 3% of a business entity; or (C) a security of any kind that represents, or is convertible into, more than 3% of a business entity. (2) In applying this definition: (A) ownership of an interest in a mutual or common investment fund that holds a security is not ownership of the security unless: (i) the judge participates in the management of the fund; or (ii) there is before the judge a pending matter or an impending matter that could substantially affect the value of the interest; (B) ownership of a government security is not a significant -17- financial interest in the issuer unless there is before the judge a pending matter or an impending matter that could substantially affect the value of the security; (C) neither a deposit in a financial institution nor a proprietary interest such as or similar to that of a depositor in a mutual savings association, member of a credit union, or policy holder in a mutual insurance company is a significant financial interest in the entity unless there is before the judge a pending matter or an impending matter that could substantially affect the value of the deposit or interest; and (D) an ownership interest in a security held by a charitable, civic, educational, fraternal, sororal, or religious organization will not be imputed to a judge merely because the judge or the judge's child, parent, or spouse is an adviser to or director or officer of, or otherwise actively participates in, the organization. (l) Third Degree of Relationship "Third degree of relationship" includes the following individuals: great-grandparent, grandparent, parent, uncle, aunt, brother, sister, child, grandchild, great-grandchild, nephew, and niece. Source: This Rule is derived from paragraphs B-101 through B-112 of former Rule 16-813 (2016). -18- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT GENERAL PROVISIONS, SCOPE, DEFINITIONS, AND PREAMBLE OF THE CODE Rule 18-100.4. PREAMBLE (a) Importance of Independent, Fair, Competent, Impartial Judiciary An independent, fair, competent, and impartial judiciary composed of men and women of integrity who will interpret and apply the law that governs our society is indispensable to our system of justice. Thus, the judiciary plays a central role in preserving the principles of justice and the rule of law. Inherent in all the Rules contained in this Code are the precepts that judges, individually and collectively, must respect and honor the judicial office as a public trust and strive to maintain and enhance confidence in the legal system. (b) Dignity of Judicial Office Judges should maintain the dignity of judicial office at all times, and avoid both impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in their professional and personal lives. They should aspire at all times to conduct that ensures the greatest possible public confidence in their independence, impartiality, integrity, and competence. (c) Function of Code of Judicial Conduct This Code of Judicial Conduct establishes standards for the -19- ethical conduct of judges and judicial candidates. It is not intended as an exhaustive guide for the conduct of judges and judicial candidates, who are governed in their judicial and personal conduct by general ethical standards as well as by this Code. This Code is intended, however, to provide guidance and assist judges in maintaining the highest standards of judicial and personal conduct, and to provide a basis for regulating their conduct through disciplinary agencies. Source: This Rule is derived from paragraphs C-101 through C-103 of former Rule 16-813 (2016). -20- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING JUDICIAL INTEGRITY AND THE AVOIDANCE OF IMPROPRIETY Rule 18-101.1. COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW (ABA RULE 1.1) A judge shall comply with the law, including this Code of Judicial Conduct. Source: This Rule is derived from former Rule 1.1 of Rule 16-813 (2016). -21- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING JUDICIAL INTEGRITY AND THE AVOIDANCE OF IMPROPRIETY Rule 18-101.2. PROMOTING CONFIDENCE IN THE JUDICIARY (ABA RULE 1.2) (a) Promoting Public Confidence A judge shall act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary. (b) Avoiding Perception of Impropriety A judge shall avoid conduct that would create in reasonable minds a perception of impropriety. COMMENT [1] Public confidence in the judiciary is eroded by improper conduct and conduct that creates the appearance of impropriety. This principle applies to both the professional and personal conduct of a judge. [2] A judge should expect to be the subject of public scrutiny that might be viewed as burdensome if applied to other individuals and must accept the restrictions imposed by this Code. [3] Conduct that compromises or appears to compromise the independence, integrity, and impartiality of a judge undermines public confidence in the judiciary. Because it is not practicable to list all such conduct, the Rule is necessarily cast in general terms. [4] Judges should participate in activities that promote ethical conduct among judges and attorneys, support professionalism within the judiciary and the legal profession, and promote access to justice for all. -22- [5] Actual improprieties include violations of law, Court Rules, and this Code. The test for appearance of impropriety is whether the conduct would create in reasonable minds a perception that the judge's ability to carry out judicial responsibilities with competence, impartiality, and integrity is impaired. [6] 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. Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 1.2 of Rule 16-813 -23- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING JUDICIAL INTEGRITY AND THE AVOIDANCE OF IMPROPRIETY Rule 18-101.3. AVOIDING LENDING THE PRESTIGE OF JUDICIAL OFFICE (ABA RULE 1.3) A judge shall not lend the prestige of judicial office to advance the personal or economic interests of the judge or others, or allow others to do so. COMMENT [1] It is improper for a judge to use or attempt to use his or her position to gain personal advantage or deferential treatment of any kind. For example, it would be improper for a judge to allude to his or her judicial status to gain favorable treatment in encounters with traffic officials. Similarly, a judge must not use a judicial letterhead to gain an advantage in conducting his or her personal business. [2] A judge may provide a reference or recommendation for an individual based upon the judge's personal knowledge. The judge may use an official letterhead if the judge indicates that the reference is personal and if there is no likelihood that the use of the letterhead would reasonably be perceived as an attempt to exert pressure by reason of the judicial office. [3] Judges may participate in the process of judicial selection by cooperating with appointing authorities and screening committees and by responding to inquiries from such entities concerning the professional qualifications of an individual being considered for judicial office. Cross reference: See Rule 18-104.3. [4] Special considerations arise when judges write or contribute to publications of for-profit entities, whether related or unrelated to the law. A judge should not permit anyone associated with the publication of such materials to -24- exploit the judge's office in a manner that violates this Rule or other applicable law. In contracts for publication of a judge's writing, the judge should retain sufficient control over the advertising to avoid such exploitation. Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 1.3 of Rule 16-813 -25- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING THE PERFORMANCE OF JUDICIAL DUTIES Rule 18-102.1. GIVING PRECEDENCE TO THE DUTIES OF JUDICIAL OFFICE (ABA RULE 2.1) The duties of judicial office, as prescribed by law, shall take precedence over a judge's personal and extrajudicial activities. COMMENT [1] To ensure that judges are available to fulfill their judicial duties, judges must conduct their personal and extrajudicial activities to minimize the risk of conflicts that would result in frequent disqualification. [2] 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. [3] With respect to time devoted to personal and extrajudicial activities, this Rule must be construed in a reasonable manner. Family obligations, illnesses, emergencies, and permissible extrajudicial activities may require a judge's immediate attention. Attending to those obligations and situations, temporary in nature, is not prohibited by this Rule and should be dealt with in accordance with applicable vacation, sick leave, and administrative leave policies. Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 2.1 of Rule 16-813 -26- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING THE PERFORMANCE OF JUDICIAL DUTIES Rule 18-102.2. IMPARTIALITY AND FAIRNESS (ABA RULE 2.2) (a) A judge shall uphold and apply the law and shall perform all duties of judicial office impartially and fairly. (b) A judge may make reasonable efforts, consistent with the Maryland Rules and other law, to facilitate the ability of all litigants, including self-represented litigants, to be fairly heard. COMMENT [1] To ensure impartiality and fairness to all parties, a judge must be objective and open-minded. [2] Although each judge comes to the bench with a unique background and personal philosophy, a judge must interpret and apply the law without regard to whether the judge approves or disapproves of the law in question. [3] When applying and interpreting the law, a judge sometimes may make good-faith errors of fact or law. Errors of this kind do not violate this Rule. Cross reference: See Rule 18-102.6 Comment [2]. Source: This Rule is derived in part from former Rule 2.2 of Rule 16-813 (2016) and is in part new. -27- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING THE PERFORMANCE OF JUDICIAL DUTIES Rule 18-102.3. (a) BIAS, PREJUDICE, AND HARASSMENT (ABA RULE 2.3) A judge shall perform the duties of judicial office, including administrative duties, without bias or prejudice. (b) In the performance of judicial duties, a judge shall not, by words or conduct, manifest bias, prejudice, or harassment based upon race, sex, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, socioeconomic status, or political affiliation. A judge shall require attorneys in proceedings before the court, court staff, court officials, and others subject to the judge's direction and control to refrain from similar conduct. (c) The restrictions of section (b) of this Rule do not preclude judges or attorneys from making legitimate references to the listed factors, or similar factors, when they are relevant to an issue in a proceeding. COMMENT [1] A judge who manifests bias or prejudice in a proceeding impairs the fairness of the proceeding and brings the judiciary into disrepute. [2] A judge must avoid conduct that may reasonably be perceived as prejudiced or biased. Examples of manifestations of bias or prejudice include epithets; slurs; demeaning nicknames; negative stereotyping; attempted humor based upon stereotypes; threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts; suggestions of -28- connections between race, ethnicity, or nationality and crime; and irrelevant references to personal characteristics. Even facial expressions and body language can convey to parties and attorneys in the proceeding, jurors, the media, and others an appearance of bias or prejudice. [3] Harassment, as referred to in section (b) of this Rule, is verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual on bases such as race, sex, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, socioeconomic status, or political affiliation. [4] Sexual harassment includes sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, conduct of a sexual nature through the use of electronic communication that alarms or seriously annoys another, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is unwelcome. Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 2.3 of Rule 16-813 -29- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING THE PERFORMANCE OF JUDICIAL DUTIES Rule 18-102.4. (a) EXTERNAL INFLUENCES ON JUDICIAL CONDUCT (ABA RULE 2.4) A judge shall not be swayed by public clamor or fear of criticism. (b) A judge shall not permit family, social, political, financial, or other interests or relationships to influence the judge's judicial conduct or judgment. (c) A judge shall not convey or permit others to convey the impression that any person is in a position to influence the judge. COMMENT [1] An independent judiciary requires that judges decide cases according to the law and facts, without regard to whether particular laws or litigants are popular or unpopular with the public, the media, government officials, or the judge's friends or family. Confidence in the judiciary is eroded if judicial decision-making is perceived to be subject to inappropriate outside influences. Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 2.4 of Rule 16-813 -30- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING THE PERFORMANCE OF JUDICIAL DUTIES Rule 18-102.5. (a) COMPETENCE, DILIGENCE, AND COOPERATION (ABA RULE 2.5) A judge shall perform judicial and administrative duties competently, diligently, promptly, and without favoritism or nepotism. (b) A judge shall cooperate with other judges and court officials in the administration of court business. (c) A judge shall not wilfully fail to comply with administrative rules or reasonable directives of a judge with supervisory authority. COMMENT [1] Competence in the performance of judicial duties requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and preparation reasonably necessary to perform a judge's responsibilities of judicial office. [2] A judge should seek the necessary docket time, court staff, expertise, and resources to discharge all adjudicative and administrative responsibilities. [3] Prompt disposition of the court's business requires a judge to devote adequate time to judicial duties, to be punctual in attending court and expeditious in determining matters under submission, and to take reasonable measures to ensure that court officials, litigants, and their attorneys cooperate with the judge to that end. [4] In disposing of matters promptly and efficiently, a judge must demonstrate due regard for the rights of parties to be heard and to have issues resolved without unnecessary cost or delay. A judge should monitor and supervise cases in ways that reduce or eliminate dilatory practices, avoidable delays, and -31- unnecessary costs. Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 2.5 of Rule 16-813 -32- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING THE PERFORMANCE OF JUDICIAL DUTIES Rule 18-102.6. (a) ENSURING THE RIGHT TO BE HEARD (ABA RULE 2.6) A judge shall accord to every person who has a legal interest in a proceeding, or that person's attorney, the right to be heard according to law. (b) A judge may encourage parties to a proceeding and their attorneys to settle matters in dispute but shall not act in a manner that coerces any party into settlement. COMMENT [1] The right to be heard is an essential component of a fair and impartial system of justice. Substantive rights of litigants can be protected only if procedures protecting the right to be heard are observed. [2] Increasingly, judges have before them self-represented litigants whose lack of knowledge about the law and about judicial procedures and requirements may inhibit their ability to be heard effectively. A judge's obligation under Rule 18-102.2 to remain fair and impartial does not preclude the judge from making reasonable accommodations to protect a self-represented litigant's right to be heard, so long as those accommodations do not give the self-represented litigant an unfair advantage. This Rule does not require a judge to make any particular accommodation. [3] Settlement conferences and referrals to alternative dispute resolution may play an important role in the administration of justice. The judge plays an important role in overseeing the settlement of disputes, but should be careful that efforts to further settlement do not undermine any party's right to be heard according to law. Among the factors that a judge should consider when deciding upon an appropriate settlement practice for a case are (a) whether the parties have requested or voluntarily consented to a certain level of participation by the -33- judge in settlement discussions, (b) whether the parties and their attorneys are relatively sophisticated in legal matters, (c) whether the case will be tried by the judge or a jury, (d) whether the parties participate with their attorneys in settlement discussions, (e) whether any parties are self-represented, and (f) the nature of the proceeding. [4] Judges must be mindful of the effect settlement discussions can have, not only on their objectivity and impartiality, but also on the appearance of their objectivity and impartiality. A judge should keep in mind the effect that the judge's participation in settlement discussions may have on both the judge's own views of the case and the perceptions of the attorneys and the parties if the case remains with the judge after settlement efforts are unsuccessful. Despite a judge's best efforts, there may be instances when information obtained during settlement discussions could influence a judge's decisionmaking during trial, and, in such instances, the judge should consider whether disqualification may be appropriate. See Rule 18-102.11 (a)(1). Source: This Rule is derived from former Rule 2.6 of Rule 16-813 (2016). -34- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING THE PERFORMANCE OF JUDICIAL DUTIES Rule 18-102.7. RESPONSIBILITY TO DECIDE (ABA RULE 2.7) A judge shall hear and decide matters assigned to the judge unless recusal is appropriate. COMMENT [1] Although there are times when disqualification is necessary or appropriate to protect the rights of litigants and preserve public confidence in the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary, judges must be available to decide matters that come before the courts. The dignity of the court, the judge's respect for fulfillment of judicial duties, and a proper concern for the burdens that may be imposed upon the judge's colleagues require that a judge not use disqualification to avoid cases that present difficult, controversial, or unpopular issues. Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 2.7 of Rule 16-813 -35- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING THE PERFORMANCE OF JUDICIAL DUTIES Rule 18-102.8. DECORUM, DEMEANOR, AND COMMUNICATION WITH JURORS (ABA RULE 2.8) (a) A judge shall require order and decorum in proceedings before the court. (b) A judge shall be patient, dignified, and courteous to litigants, jurors, witnesses, attorneys, court staff, court officials, and others with whom the judge deals in an official capacity, and shall require similar conduct of attorneys, court staff, court officials, and others subject to the judge's direction and control. (c) A judge shall not commend or criticize jurors for their verdict other than in a court order or opinion in a proceeding. COMMENT [1] The duty to hear all proceedings with patience and courtesy is not inconsistent with the duty imposed in Rule 18102.5 to dispose promptly of the business of the court. Judges can be efficient and businesslike while being patient and deliberate. [2] Commending or criticizing jurors for their verdict may imply a judicial expectation in future cases and may impair a juror's ability to be fair and impartial in a subsequent case. [3] A judge who is not otherwise prohibited by law from doing so may meet with jurors who choose to remain after trial but should be careful not to discuss the merits of the case. -36- Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 2.8 of Rule 16-813 -37- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING THE PERFORMANCE OF JUDICIAL DUTIES Rule 18-102.9. (a) EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS (ABA RULE 2.9) A judge shall not initiate, permit, or consider ex parte communications, or consider other communications made to the judge out of the presence of the parties or their attorneys, concerning a pending or impending matter, except as follows: (1) A judge may initiate, permit, or consider any ex parte communication when expressly authorized by law to do so. (2) When circumstances require, ex parte communication for scheduling, administrative, or emergency purposes, which does not address substantive matters, is permitted, provided: (A) the judge reasonably believes that no party will gain a procedural, substantive, or tactical advantage as a result of the ex parte communication; and (B) the judge makes provision promptly to notify all other parties of the substance of the ex parte communication, and gives the parties an opportunity to respond. (3) A judge may obtain the advice of a disinterested expert on the law applicable to a proceeding if the judge (A) makes provision promptly to notify all of the parties as to the expert consulted and the substance of the advice, and (B) affords the parties a reasonable opportunity to respond. -38- (4) A judge may consult with court staff and court officials whose functions are to aid the judge in carrying out the judge's adjudicative responsibilities, or with other judges, provided the judge does not decide a case based on adjudicative facts that are not made part of the record, and does not abrogate the responsibility personally to decide the matter. Cross reference: See Comment [1] to Rule 18-103.9, permitting a judge to engage in prehearing and settlement conferences. (5) With the consent of the parties, a judge may confer separately with the parties and their attorneys as part of a prehearing or settlement conference conducted pursuant to the Rules in Title 17. (6) When serving in a problem-solving court program of a circuit court or the District Court pursuant to Rule 16-207, a judge may initiate, permit, and consider ex parte communications in conformance with the established protocols for the operation of the program if the parties have expressly consented to those protocols. (b) If a judge inadvertently receives an unauthorized ex parte communication bearing upon the substance of a matter, the judge shall make provision promptly to notify the parties of the substance of the communication and provide the parties with an opportunity to respond. (c) A judge shall not investigate adjudicative facts in a matter independently, and shall consider only the evidence in the record and any facts that may properly be judicially noticed. -39- (d) A judge shall make reasonable efforts, including providing appropriate supervision, to ensure that this Rule is not violated by court staff, court officials, and others subject to the judge's direction and control. COMMENT [1] To the extent reasonably possible, all parties or their attorneys shall be included in communications with a judge. [2] Whenever the presence of a party or notice to a party is required by this Rule, it is the party's attorney, or if the party is self-represented, the party, who is to be present or to whom notice is to be given. [3] The proscription against communications concerning a proceeding includes communications with attorneys, law teachers, and other persons who are not participants in the proceeding, except to the limited extent permitted by this Rule. [4] A judge may consult with other judges on pending matters, including a retired judge approved for recall, but must avoid ex parte discussions of a case with judges who have previously been disqualified from hearing the matter, and with judges who have appellate jurisdiction over the matter. [5] The prohibition against a judge investigating adjudicative facts in a matter extends to information available in all mediums, including electronic. [6] A judge may consult ethics advisory committees, outside counsel, or legal experts concerning the judge's compliance with this Code. Such consultations are not subject to the restrictions of subsection (a)(2) of this Rule. Committee note: This Rule does not regulate judicial notice of so-called “legislative facts” (facts pertaining to social policy and their ramifications) or of law. Cross reference: See Rule 5-201. Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 2.9 of Rule 16-813 -40- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING THE PERFORMANCE OF JUDICIAL DUTIES Rule 18-102.10. JUDICIAL STATEMENTS ON PENDING AND IMPENDING CASES (ABA RULE 2.10) (a) A judge shall abstain from public comment that relates to a proceeding pending or impending in any court and that might reasonably be expected to affect the outcome or impair the fairness of that proceeding and shall require similar abstention on the part of court personnel subject to the judge's direction and control. This Rule does not prohibit a judge from making public statements in the course of official duties or from explaining for public information the procedures of the court. (b) With respect to a case, controversy, or issue that is likely to come before the court, a judge shall not make a commitment, pledge, or promise that is inconsistent with the impartial performance of the adjudicative duties of the office. (c) Notwithstanding the restrictions in sections (a) and (b) of this Rule, a judge may make public statements in the course of official duties, may explain court procedures, and may comment on any proceeding in which the judge is a litigant in a non-judicial capacity. COMMENT [1] This Rule's restrictions on judicial speech are -41- essential to the maintenance of the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary. [2] This Rule does not prohibit a judge from commenting on proceedings in which the judge is a litigant in a personal capacity. In cases in which the judge is a litigant in an official capacity, such as a writ of mandamus, the judge must not comment publicly. [3] "Court personnel," as used in section (a) of this Rule does not include the attorneys in a proceeding before the judge. The comment of attorneys in this regard is governed by Rule 19303.6 of the Maryland Attorneys’ Rules of Professional Conduct. Source: This Rule is derived from former Rule 2.10 of Rule 16813 (2016). -42- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING THE PERFORMANCE OF JUDICIAL DUTIES Rule 18-102.11. (a) DISQUALIFICATION (ABA RULE 2.11) A judge shall disqualify himself or herself in any proceeding in which the judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned, including the following circumstances: (1) The judge has a personal bias or prejudice concerning a party or a party's attorney, or personal knowledge of facts that are in dispute in the proceeding. (2) The judge knows that the judge, the judge's spouse or domestic partner, an individual within the third degree of relationship to either of them, or the spouse or domestic partner of such an individual: (A) is a party to the proceeding, or an officer, director, general partner, managing member, or trustee of a party; (B) is acting as an attorney in the proceeding; (C) is an individual who has more than a de minimis interest that could be substantially affected by the proceeding; or (D) is likely to be a material witness in the proceeding. (3) The judge knows that he or she, individually or as a fiduciary, or any of the following individuals has a significant financial interest in the subject matter in controversy or in a -43- party to the proceeding: (A) the judge's spouse or domestic partner; (B) an individual within the third degree of relationship to the judge; or (C) any other member of the judge's family residing in the judge's household. (4) The judge, while a judge or a judicial candidate, has made a public statement, other than in a court proceeding, judicial decision, or opinion, that commits or appears to commit the judge to reach a particular result or rule in a particular way in the proceeding or controversy. (5) The judge: (A) served as an attorney in the matter in controversy, or was associated with an attorney who participated substantially as an attorney in the matter during such association; (B) served in governmental employment, and in such capacity participated personally and substantially as an attorney or public official concerning the proceeding, or has publicly expressed in such capacity an opinion concerning the merits of the particular matter in controversy; (C) previously presided as a judge over the matter in another court; or (D) is a retired judge who is subject to disqualification under Rule 18-103.9. Cross reference: See Code, Courts Article, §1-203 (c) prohibiting a judge from hearing a case in which a partner or employee of the judge’s former law firm is an attorney of record during a period -44- in which the judge is receiving a payout of his former interest in the firm. (b) A judge shall keep informed about the judge's personal and fiduciary economic interests and make a reasonable effort to keep informed about the personal economic interests of the judge's spouse and minor children residing in the judge's household. (c) A judge subject to disqualification under this Rule, other than for bias or prejudice under subsection (a)(1) of this Rule, may disclose on the record the basis of the judge's disqualification and may ask the parties and their attorneys to consider, outside the presence of the judge and court personnel, whether to waive disqualification. If, following the disclosure, the parties and attorneys agree, without participation by the judge or court personnel, that the judge should not be disqualified, the judge may participate in the proceeding. The agreement shall be incorporated into the record of the proceeding. COMMENT [1] Under this Rule, a judge is disqualified whenever the judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned, regardless of whether any of the specific provisions of subsections (a)(1) through (5) apply. In this Rule, "disqualification" has the same meaning as "recusal." [2] A judge's obligation not to hear or decide matters in which disqualification is required applies regardless of whether a motion to disqualify is filed. [3] By decisional law, the rule of necessity may override the rule of recusal. For example, a judge might be required to participate in judicial review of a judicial salary statute or might be the only judge available in a matter requiring immediate judicial action, such as a hearing on probable cause or a temporary restraining order. When the rule of necessity does -45- override the rule of recusal, the judge must disclose on the record the basis for possible disqualification and, if practicable, use reasonable efforts to transfer the matter to another judge. [4] A judge should disclose on the record information that the judge believes the parties or their attorneys might reasonably consider relevant to a possible motion for disqualification, even if the judge believes there is no basis for disqualification. [5] This procedure gives the parties an opportunity to waive the recusal if the judge agrees. The judge may comment on possible waiver but must ensure that consideration of the question of waiver is made independently of the judge. A party may act through an attorney if the attorney represents on the record that the party has been consulted and consents. As a practical matter, a judge may request that all parties and their attorneys sign a waiver agreement. Source: This Rule is derived from former Rule 2.11 of Rule 16813 (2016). -46- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING THE PERFORMANCE OF JUDICIAL DUTIES Rule 18-102.12. (a) SUPERVISORY DUTIES (ABA RULE 2.12) A judge shall require court staff, court officials, and others subject to the judge's direction and control to act in a manner consistent with the judge's obligations under this Code. (b) A judge with supervisory authority for the performance of other judges shall take reasonable measures to ensure that those judges properly discharge their judicial responsibilities, including the prompt disposition of matters before them. COMMENT [1] A judge is responsible for his or her own conduct and for the conduct of others, such as staff, when those individuals are acting at the judge's direction or control. A judge may not direct court personnel to engage in conduct on the judge's behalf or as the judge's representative when such conduct would violate this Code if undertaken by the judge. [2] Public confidence in the judicial system depends upon timely justice. To promote the efficient administration of justice, a judge with supervisory authority must take the steps needed to ensure that judges under his or her supervision administer their workloads promptly. Source: This Rule is derived from former Rule 2.12 of Rule 16-813 (2016). -47- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING THE PERFORMANCE OF JUDICIAL DUTIES Rule 18-102.13. (a) ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS (ABA RULE 2.13) In making administrative appointments, a judge: (1) shall exercise the power of appointment impartially and on the basis of merit; and (2) shall avoid nepotism, favoritism, and unnecessary appointments. (b) A judge shall not approve compensation of appointees beyond the fair value of services rendered. COMMENT [1] Appointees of a judge include assigned attorneys, officials such as commissioners, special magistrates, receivers, and guardians, and personnel such as clerks, secretaries, and bailiffs. Consent by the parties to an appointment or an award of compensation does not relieve the judge of the obligation prescribed by section (a) of this Rule. [2] Unless otherwise defined by law, nepotism is the appointment or hiring of any relative within the third degree of relationship to either the judge or the judge's spouse or domestic partner, or the spouse or domestic partner of such relative. Source: This Rule is derived from former Rule 2.13 of Rule 16813 (2016). -48- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING THE PERFORMANCE OF JUDICIAL DUTIES Rule 18-102.14. DISABILITY AND IMPAIRMENT OF OTHERS (ABA RULE 2.14) A judge having a reasonable belief that the performance of an attorney or another judge is impaired by drugs or alcohol or by a mental, emotional, or physical condition, shall take appropriate action, which may include a confidential referral to an attorney or judicial assistance program. COMMENT [1] "Appropriate action" means action intended and reasonably likely to help the judge or attorney in question to address the problem and prevent harm to the justice system. Depending upon the circumstances, appropriate action may include speaking directly to the impaired individual, notifying an individual with supervisory responsibility over the impaired individual, or making a referral to an assistance program. [2] Taking or initiating corrective action by way of referral to an assistance program may satisfy a judge's responsibility under this Rule. Assistance programs have many approaches for offering help to impaired judges and attorneys, such as intervention, counseling, or referral to appropriate health care professionals. Depending upon the gravity of the conduct that has come to the judge's attention, however, the judge may be required to take other action, such as reporting the impaired judge or attorney to the appropriate authority, agency, or body. See Rule 18-102.15. Source: This Rule is derived from former Rule 2.14 of Rule 16813 (2016). -49- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING THE PERFORMANCE OF JUDICIAL DUTIES Rule 18-102.15. RESPONDING TO JUDICIAL AND ATTORNEY MISCONDUCT (ABA RULE 2.15) (a) A judge shall take or initiate appropriate corrective measures with respect to the unprofessional conduct of another judge or an attorney. (b) If other corrective measures are not appropriate or, if attempted, were not successful, a judge shall inform the Commission on Judicial Disabilities of facts known to that judge that raise a substantial question as to another judge's fitness for office. (c) If other corrective measures are not appropriate or, if attempted, were not successful, a judge shall inform the Attorney Grievance Commission of facts known to the judge that raise a substantial question as to an attorney’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as an attorney in other respects. (d) Acts of a judge required or permitted by sections (a), (b), and (c) of this Rule shall be absolutely privileged. COMMENT [1] Permitting a judge to take "corrective" measures gives the judge a wide range of options to deal with unprofessional conduct. Appropriate corrective measures may include direct communication with the judge or attorney who is believed to have -50- committed the violation or other direct action if available. There may be instances of professional misconduct that would warrant a private admonition or referral to a bar association counseling service. Source: This Rule is derived from former Rule 2.15 of Rule 16813 (2016). -51- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING THE PERFORMANCE OF JUDICIAL DUTIES Rule 18-102.16. COOPERATION WITH DISCIPLINARY AUTHORITIES (ABA RULE 2.16) (a) A judge shall cooperate and be candid and honest with judicial and attorney disciplinary agencies. (b) A judge shall not retaliate, directly or indirectly, against a person known or suspected to have assisted or cooperated with an investigation of a judge or an attorney. COMMENT [1] Cooperation with investigations and proceedings of judicial and attorney discipline agencies, as required in section (a) of this Rule, instills confidence in judges' commitment to the integrity of the judicial system and the protection of the public. Source: This Rule is derived from former Rule 2.16 of Rule 16813 (2016). -52- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING EXTRAJUDICIAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-103.1. EXTRA-OFFICIAL ACTIVITIES IN GENERAL (ABA RULE 3.1) Except as prohibited by law or this Code, a judge may engage in extrajudicial activities. When engaging in extrajudicial activities, a judge shall not: (a) participate in activities that will interfere with the proper performance of the judge's judicial duties; (b) participate in activities that will lead to frequent disqualification of the judge; (c) participate in activities that would appear to a reasonable person to undermine the judge's independence, integrity, or impartiality; (d) engage in conduct that would appear to a reasonable person to be coercive; or (e) make inappropriate use of court premises, staff, stationery, equipment, or other resources. COMMENT [1] To the extent that time permits, and judicial independence and impartiality are not compromised, judges are encouraged to engage in appropriate extrajudicial activities. Judges are uniquely qualified to engage in extrajudicial activities that concern the law, the legal system, and the administration of justice, such as by speaking, writing, teaching, or participating in scholarly research projects. In addition, judges are permitted and encouraged to engage in -53- educational, religious, charitable, fraternal, or civic extrajudicial activities not conducted for profit, even when the activities do not involve the law. See Rule 18-103.7. [2] Participation in both law-related and other extrajudicial activities helps integrate judges into their communities and furthers public understanding of and respect for courts and the judicial system. [3] Discriminatory actions and expressions of bias or prejudice by a judge, even outside the judge's official or judicial actions, are likely to appear to a reasonable person to call into question the judge's integrity and impartiality. Examples include jokes or other remarks that demean individuals based upon their race, sex, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. For the same reason, a judge's extrajudicial activities must not be conducted in connection or affiliation with an organization that practices invidious discrimination. See Rule 18-103.6. [4] While engaged in permitted extrajudicial activities, judges must not coerce others or take action that would reasonably be perceived as coercive. For example, depending upon the circumstances, a judge's solicitation of contributions or memberships for an organization, even as permitted by Rule 18103.7 (a), might create the risk that the person solicited would feel obligated to respond favorably, or would do so to curry favor with the judge. Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 3.1 of Rule 16-813 -54- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING EXTRAJUDICIAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-103.2. APPEARANCES BEFORE GOVERNMENTAL BODIES AND CONSULTATION WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS (ABA RULE 3.2) A judge shall not appear voluntarily at a public hearing before, or otherwise consult with, an executive or a legislative body or official, except: (a) in connection with matters concerning the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice; (b) in connection with matters about which the judge acquired knowledge or expertise in the course of the judge's judicial duties; or (c) when the judge is acting self-represented in a matter involving the judge's legal or economic interests, or when the judge is acting in a fiduciary capacity. COMMENT [1] Judges possess special expertise in matters of law, the legal system, and the administration of justice, and may properly share that expertise with governmental bodies and officials in the executive or legislative branch. [2] In appearing before governmental bodies or consulting with government officials, judges must be mindful that they remain subject to other provisions of this Code, such as Rule 18101.3, prohibiting judges from using the prestige of office to advance their own or others' interests, Rule 18-102.10, governing public comment on pending and impending matters, and Rule 18103.1 (c), prohibiting judges from engaging in extrajudicial activities that would appear to a reasonable person to undermine -55- the judge's independence, integrity, or impartiality. [3] In general, it would be an unnecessary and unfair burden to prohibit judges from appearing before governmental bodies or consulting with government officials on matters that are likely to affect them as private individuals, such as zoning proposals affecting their real property. In engaging in such activities, however, judges must not refer to their judicial positions, and must otherwise exercise caution to avoid using the prestige of judicial office. Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 3.2 of Rule 16-813 -56- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING EXTRAJUDICIAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-103.3. TESTIFYING AS A CHARACTER WITNESS (ABA RULE 3.3) Except when duly subpoenaed, a judge shall not testify as a character witness in a judicial, administrative, or other adjudicatory proceeding or otherwise vouch for the character of a person in a legal proceeding. COMMENT [1] A judge who, without being subpoenaed, testifies as a character witness abuses the prestige of judicial office to advance the interests of another. See Rule 18-101.3. Except in unusual circumstances where the demands of justice require, a judge should discourage a party from requiring the judge to testify as a character witness. Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 3.3 of Rule 16-813 -57- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING EXTRAJUDICIAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-103.4. APPOINTMENT TO GOVERNMENTAL POSITIONS (ABA RULE 3.4) A judge shall not accept appointment to a governmental committee, board, commission, or other governmental position, unless it is one that concerns the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice. COMMENT [1] Rule 18-103.4 implicitly acknowledges the value of judges accepting appointments to entities that concern the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice. Even in such instances, however, a judge should assess the appropriateness of accepting an appointment, paying particular attention to the subject matter of the appointment and the availability and allocation of judicial resources, including the judge's time commitments, and giving due regard to the requirements of the independence and impartiality of the judiciary. [2] A judge may not accept a governmental appointment that could interfere with the effectiveness and independence of the judiciary, assume or discharge an executive or legislative power, or hold another "office" under the Constitution or laws of the United States or the State of Maryland. See Maryland Declaration of Rights, Articles 8, 33, and 35. [3] A judge may represent his or her country, State, or locality on ceremonial occasions or in connection with historical, educational, or cultural activities. Such representation does not constitute acceptance of a government position. Committee note: Although the Judicial Ethics Committee has concluded that the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution may allow service in reserve components of the armed forces that otherwise might be precluded under this Code, such as service as a judge advocate or military judge, the Attorney General, rather than the Judicial Ethics Committee, traditionally has rendered -58- opinions with regard to issues of dual or incompatible offices. Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 3.4 of Rule 16-813 -59- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING EXTRAJUDICIAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-103.5. USE OF NONPUBLIC INFORMATION (ABA RULE 3.5) A judge shall not intentionally disclose or use nonpublic information acquired in a judicial capacity for any purpose unrelated to the judge's judicial duties. Nonpublic information means information that is not available to the public. It may include information that is (a) sealed or shielded pursuant to the Maryland Rules, other law, or court order, (b) impounded, (c) communicated in camera, or (d) offered in grand jury proceedings, pre-sentencing reports, dependency cases, or psychiatric reports. COMMENT [1] In the course of performing judicial duties, a judge may acquire information of commercial or other value that is unavailable to the public. The judge must not reveal or use such information for personal gain or for any purpose unrelated to his or her judicial duties. [2] This Rule is not intended, however, to affect a judge's ability to act on information as necessary to protect the health or safety of the judge or a member of a judge's family, court personnel, or other judicial officers. Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 3.5 of Rule 16-813 -60- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING EXTRAJUDICIAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-103.6. AFFILIATION WITH DISCRIMINATORY ORGANIZATIONS (ABA RULE 3.6) (a) A judge shall not hold membership in any organization that practices invidious discrimination on the basis of race, sex, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. (b) A judge shall not use the benefits or facilities of an organization if the judge knows or should know that the organization practices invidious discrimination on one or more of the bases identified in section (a) of this Rule. A judge's attendance at an event in a facility of an organization that the judge is not permitted to join is not a violation of this Rule when the judge's attendance is an isolated event that could not reasonably be perceived as an endorsement of the organization's practices. COMMENT [1] A judge's public manifestation of approval of invidious discrimination on any basis gives rise to the appearance of impropriety and diminishes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. A judge's membership in an organization that practices invidious discrimination creates the perception that the judge's impartiality is impaired. [2] An organization is generally said to discriminate invidiously if it arbitrarily excludes from membership on the -61- basis of race, sex, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity, or sexual orientation individuals who would otherwise be eligible for admission. Whether an organization practices invidious discrimination is a complex question to which judges should be attentive. The answer cannot be determined from a mere examination of an organization's current membership rolls, but rather, depends upon how the organization selects members, as well as other relevant factors, such as whether the organization is dedicated to the preservation of religious, ethnic, or cultural values of legitimate common interest to its members, or whether it is an intimate, purely private organization whose membership limitations could not constitutionally be prohibited. [3] When a judge learns that an organization to which the judge belongs engages in invidious discrimination, the judge must resign immediately from the organization. [4] A judge's membership in a religious organization as a lawful exercise of the freedom of religion is not a violation of this Rule. [5] service. This Rule does not apply to national or state military Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 3.6 of Rule 16-813 -62- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING EXTRAJUDICIAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-103.7. PARTICIPATION IN EDUCATIONAL, RELIGIOUS, CHARITABLE, FRATERNAL, OR CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES (ABA RULE 3.7) (a) Subject to the requirements of Rules 18-103.1 and 18- 103.6, a judge may participate in activities sponsored by organizations or governmental entities concerned with the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice, and those sponsored by or on behalf of educational, religious, charitable, fraternal, or civic organizations not conducted for profit, including the following activities: (1) assisting such an organization or entity in planning related to fund-raising, and participating in the management and investment of the organization's or entity's funds; (2) soliciting contributions for such an organization or entity, but only from members of the judge's family, or from judges over whom the judge does not exercise supervisory or appellate authority; (3) soliciting membership for such an organization or entity, even though the membership dues or fees generated may be used to support the objectives of the organization or entity, but only if the organization or entity is concerned with the law, the legal -63- system, or the administration of justice; (4) appearing or speaking at, receiving an award or other recognition at, being featured on the program of, and permitting his or her title to be used in connection with an event of such an organization or entity, but if the event serves a fund-raising purpose, the judge may participate only if the event concerns the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice; (5) making recommendations to such a public or private fund-granting organization or entity in connection with its programs and activities, but only if the organization or entity is concerned with the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice; and (6) serving as an officer, director, trustee, or nonlegal advisor of such an organization or entity, unless it is likely that the organization or entity: (A) will be engaged in proceedings that would ordinarily come before the judge; or (B) will frequently be engaged in adversary proceedings in the court of which the judge is a member, or in any court subject to the appellate jurisdiction of the court of which the judge is a member. (b) A judge may encourage but not coerce attorneys to provide pro bono publico legal services. COMMENT [1] The activities permitted by section (a) of this Rule generally include those sponsored by or undertaken on behalf of -64- public or private not-for-profit educational institutions, and other not-for-profit organizations, including law-related, charitable, and other organizations. [2] Even for law-related organizations, a judge should consider whether the membership and purposes of the organization or the nature of the judge's participation in or association with the organization would conflict with the judge's obligation to refrain from activities that reflect adversely upon a judge's independence, integrity, and impartiality. [3] Mere attendance at an event, whether or not the event serves a fund-raising purpose, does not constitute a violation of subsection (a)(4) of this Rule. It is also generally permissible for a judge to serve as an usher or a food server or preparer, or to perform similar functions, at fund-raising events sponsored by educational, religious, charitable, fraternal, or civic organizations. Such activities are not solicitation and do not present an element of coercion or abuse the prestige of judicial office. [4] Identification of a judge's position in educational, religious, charitable, fraternal, or civic organizations on letterhead used for fund-raising or membership solicitation does not violate this Rule. The letterhead may list the judge's title or judicial office if comparable designations are used for other individuals. [5] In addition to appointing attorneys to serve as counsel for indigent parties in individual cases, a judge may promote broader access to justice by encouraging attorneys to participate in pro bono publico legal services, if in doing so the judge does not employ coercion, or abuse the prestige of judicial office. Such encouragement may take many forms, including providing lists of available programs, training attorneys to do pro bono publico legal work, and participating in events recognizing attorneys who have done pro bono publico work. Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 3.7 of Rule 16-813 -65- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING EXTRAJUDICIAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-103.8. (a) APPOINTMENTS TO FIDUCIARY POSITIONS (ABA RULE 3.8) A judge shall not accept appointment to serve in a fiduciary position, such as executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, attorney in fact, or other personal representative, except for an estate or trust for a member of the judge's family or an individual who is a member of the judge’s family, and then only if such service will not interfere with the proper performance of judicial duties. (b) A judge shall not serve in a fiduciary position if the judge as fiduciary will likely be engaged in proceedings that would ordinarily come before the judge, or if the estate, trust, or ward becomes involved in adversary proceedings in the court on which the judge serves, or one under its appellate jurisdiction. (c) A judge acting in a fiduciary capacity shall be subject to the same restrictions on engaging in financial activities that apply to a judge personally. (d) If an individual who is serving in a fiduciary position becomes a judge, he or she must comply with this Rule as soon as reasonably practicable, but in no event later than one year after becoming a judge. -66- (e) Section (a) of this Rule does not apply to retired judges approved for recall under Code, Courts Article, §1-302. COMMENT [1] A judge should recognize that other restrictions imposed by this Code may conflict with a judge's obligations as a fiduciary; in such circumstances, a judge should resign as fiduciary. For example, serving as a fiduciary might require frequent disqualification of a judge under Rule 18-102.11 because a judge is deemed to have an economic interest in shares of stock held by a trust if the amount of stock held is more than de minimis. Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 3.8 of Rule 16-813 -67- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING EXTRAJUDICIAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-103.9. (a) SERVICE AS ARBITRATOR OR MEDIATOR (ABA RULE 3.9) Unless expressly authorized by law, a judge shall not act as an arbitrator or a mediator or perform other judicial functions apart from the judge's official duties. (b) A retired judge who is approved for recall for temporary service under Code, Courts Article, §1-302 may conduct alternative dispute resolution (ADR) proceedings in a private capacity only if the judge: (1) conducts no ADR proceedings in a private capacity relating to a case in which the judge currently is sitting; (2) is not affiliated with a law firm, regardless of whether the law firm also offers ADR services; (3) discloses to the parties in each judicial proceeding in which the judge sits: (A) the judge's professional association with any entity that is engaged in offering ADR services; (B) whether the judge is conducting, or has conducted within the previous 12 months, an ADR proceeding involving any party, attorney, or law firm involved in the judicial proceeding pending before the judge; and (C) any negotiations or agreements for future ADR services -68- involving the judge and any of the parties or attorneys to the case; and (4) except when there is no disqualification by agreement as permitted by Rule 18-102.11 (c), does not sit in a judicial proceeding in which the judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned because of ADR services engaged in or offered by the judge. Committee note: A retired judge approved for recall may affiliate with an entity that is engaged exclusively in offering ADR services but may not affiliate with any entity that also is engaged in the practice of law. COMMENT [1] Except as provided in section (b), this Rule does not prohibit a judge from participating in arbitration, mediation, or prehearing or settlement conferences performed as part of assigned judicial duties. Rendering dispute resolution services apart from those duties, whether or not for economic gain, is prohibited unless it is expressly authorized by law. Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 3.9 of Rule 16-813 -69- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING EXTRAJUDICIAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-103.10. (a) PRACTICE OF LAW (ABA RULE 3.10) In General Except as expressly allowed by this Rule, a judge shall not practice law. Cross reference: See Code, Courts Article, §1-203. (b) Exceptions (1) A judge may act self-represented in a matter involving the judge or the judge's interest and, if without compensation, may give legal advice to and draft or review documents for a member of the judge's family. (2) To the extent expressly allowed by law and subject to other applicable provisions of this Code, a part-time judge of an orphans' court who is an attorney may practice law, provided that: (A) the judge shall not use the judge's judicial office to further the judge's success in the practice of law; and (B) the judge shall not appear as an attorney in the court in which the judge serves. Cross reference: See Code, Estates and Trusts Article, §2-109 for restrictions on the practice of law by a part-time judge of an orphans' court. -70- COMMENT [1] A judge may act self-represented in all legal matters, including matters involving litigation and matters involving appearances before or other dealings with governmental bodies. A judge must not use the prestige of office to advance the judge's personal or family interests. See Rule 18-101.3. [2] Section (a) and subsection (b)(1) of this Rule limit the practice of law in a representative capacity but not in a self-represented capacity. A judge may act for himself or herself in all legal matters, including matters involving litigation and matters involving appearances before or other dealings with legislative and other governmental bodies. In so doing, however, a judge must not abuse the prestige of office for any reason, including advancement of an interest of the judge or the judge's family. See Rules 18-102.4 (b) and 18-103.2 (c). [3] This Rule allows a judge to give legal advice to, and draft legal documents for, a member of the judge's family. Except for a part-time Orphans' Court judge allowed to practice law, however, a judge must not receive any compensation from, or act as an advocate or negotiator for, a member of the judge's family in a legal matter. Source: This Rule is derived from former Rule 3.10 of Rule 16813 (2016). -71- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING EXTRAJUDICIAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-103.11. FINANCIAL, BUSINESS, OR REMUNERATIVE ACTIVITIES (ABA RULE 3.11) (a) A judge may hold and manage investments of the judge and members of the judge's family. (b) Except as permitted by Rule 18-103.7, a judge shall not serve as an officer, director, manager, general partner, advisor, or employee of any business entity except that a judge may manage or participate in: (1) a business closely held by the judge or members of the judge's family; or (2) a business entity primarily engaged in investment of the financial resources of the judge or members of the judge's family. (c) A judge shall not engage in financial activities permitted under sections (a) or (b) of this Rule if they will: (1) interfere with the proper performance of judicial duties; (2) lead to frequent disqualification of the judge; (3) involve the judge in frequent transactions or continuing business relationships with attorneys or other persons likely to come before the court on which the judge serves; or (4) result in violation of other provisions of this Code. -72- (d) This Rule does not apply to retired judges approved for recall under Code, Courts Article, §1-302. COMMENT [1] Judges are generally permitted to engage in financial activities, including managing real estate and other investments for themselves or for members of their families. Participation in these activities, like participation in other extrajudicial activities, is subject to the requirements of this Code. For example, it would be improper for a judge to spend so much time on business activities that it interferes with the performance of judicial duties. See Rule 18-102.1. Similarly, it would be improper for a judge to use his or her official title or appear in judicial robes in business advertising, or to conduct his or her business or financial affairs in such a way that disqualification is frequently required. See Rules 18-101.3 and 18-102.11. [2] As soon as practicable without serious financial detriment, the judge must divest himself or herself of investments and other financial interests that might require frequent disqualification or otherwise violate this Rule. Source: This Rule is derived from former Rule 3.11 of Rule 16813 (2016). -73- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING EXTRAJUDICIAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-103.12. COMPENSATION FOR EXTRA-JUDICIAL ACTIVITIES (ABA RULE 3.12) A judge may accept reasonable compensation for extrajudicial activities permitted by this Code or other law unless such acceptance would appear to a reasonable person to undermine the judge's independence, integrity, or impartiality. Cross reference: See Rule 18-103.9 requiring certain disclosures and action by retired judges approved for recall who provide alternative dispute resolution services. COMMENT [1] A judge is permitted to accept honoraria, stipends, fees, wages, salaries, royalties, or other compensation for speaking, teaching, writing, and other extrajudicial activities, provided the compensation is reasonable and commensurate with the task performed. The judge should be mindful, however, that judicial duties must take precedence over other activities. See Rule 18-102.1, Code, Family Law Article, §§2-406 and 2-410, and Md. Rules 18-501 through 18-504. [2] Compensation derived from extrajudicial activities may be subject to public reporting. See Rule 18-103.15. Source: This Rule is derived from former Rule 3.12 of Rule 16813 (2016). -74- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING EXTRAJUDICIAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-103.13. ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS, LOANS, BEQUESTS, BENEFITS, OR OTHER THINGS OF VALUE (ABA RULE 3.13) (a) A judge shall not accept any gifts, loans, bequests, benefits, or other things of value, if acceptance is prohibited by law or would appear to a reasonable person to undermine the judge's independence, integrity, or impartiality. (b) Unless otherwise prohibited by law, or by section (a) of this Rule, a judge may accept the following: (1) items with little intrinsic value, such as plaques, certificates, trophies, and greeting cards; (2) gifts, loans, bequests, benefits, or other things of value from friends, relatives, or other persons, including attorneys, whose appearance or interest in a proceeding pending or impending before the judge would in any event require disqualification of the judge under Rule 18-102.11; (3) ordinary social hospitality; (4) commercial or financial opportunities and benefits, including special pricing and discounts, and loans from lending institutions in their regular course of business, if the same opportunities and benefits or loans are made available on the same terms to similarly situated persons who are not judges; -75- (5) rewards and prizes given to competitors or participants in random drawings, contests, or other events that are open to persons who are not judges; (6) scholarships, fellowships, and similar benefits or awards, if they are available to similarly situated individuals who are not judges, based upon the same terms and criteria; (7) books, magazines, journals, audiovisual materials, and other resource materials supplied by publishers on a complimentary basis for official use; (8) gifts, awards, or benefits associated with the business, profession, or other separate activity of a spouse, a domestic partner, or other family member of a judge residing in the judge's household, but that incidentally benefit the judge; (9) gifts incident to a public testimonial; or (10) invitations to the judge and the judge's spouse, domestic partner, or guest to attend without charge: (A) an event associated with a bar-related function or other activity relating to the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice; or (B) an event associated with any of the judge's educational, religious, charitable, fraternal or civic activities permitted by this Code, if the same invitation is offered to nonjudges who are engaged in similar ways in the activity as is the judge. COMMENT [1] Whenever a judge accepts a gift or other thing of value -76- without paying fair market value, there is a risk that the benefit might be viewed as intended to influence the judge's decision in a case. Rule 18-103.13 imposes restrictions upon the acceptance of such benefits, according to the magnitude of the risk. Section (b) of this Rule identifies circumstances in which the risk that the acceptance would appear to undermine the judge's independence, integrity, or impartiality is low. As the value of the benefit or the likelihood that the source of the benefit will appear before the judge increases, the judge is prohibited under section (a) of this Rule from accepting the gift. [2] Gift-giving between friends and relatives is a common occurrence, and ordinarily does not create an appearance of impropriety or cause reasonable persons to believe that the judge's independence, integrity, or impartiality has been compromised. In addition, when the appearance of friends or relatives in a case would require the judge's disqualification under Rule 18-102.11, there would be no opportunity for a gift to influence the judge's decision-making. Subsection (b)(2) of this Rule places no restrictions upon the ability of a judge to accept gifts or other things of value from friends or relatives under these circumstances. [3] Businesses and financial institutions frequently make available special pricing, discounts, and other benefits, either in connection with a temporary promotion or for preferred customers, based upon longevity of the relationship, volume of business transacted, and other factors. A judge may freely accept such benefits if they are available to the general public, or if the judge qualifies for the special price or discount according to the same criteria as are applied to persons who are not judges. As an example, loans provided at generally prevailing interest rates are not gifts, but a judge could not accept a loan from a financial institution at below-market interest rates unless the same rate was being made available to the general public for a certain period of time or only to borrowers with specified qualifications that the judge also possesses. [4] Rule 18-103.13 applies only to acceptance of gifts or other things of value by a judge. Nonetheless, if a gift or other benefit is given to the judge's spouse, domestic partner, or member of the judge's family residing in the judge's household, it may be viewed as an attempt to evade Rule 18-103.13 and influence the judge indirectly. Where the gift or benefit is being made primarily to such other individuals, and the judge is merely an incidental beneficiary, this concern is reduced. A judge should, however, remind family and household members of the restrictions imposed upon judges and urge them to take these restrictions into account when making decisions about accepting -77- such gifts or benefits. [5] Rule 18-103.13 does not apply to contributions to a judge's campaign for judicial office. Source: This Rule is derived from former Rule 3.13 of Rule 16813 (2016). -78- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING EXTRAJUDICIAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-103.14. REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES AND WAIVERS OF FEES OR CHARGES (ABA RULE 3.14) (a) Unless otherwise prohibited by Rule 18-103.1, Rule 18- 103.13 (a), or other law, a judge may accept reimbursement of necessary and reasonable expenses for travel, food, lodging, or other incidental expenses, or a waiver or partial waiver of fees or charges for registration, tuition, and similar items, from sources other than the judge's employing entity, if the expenses or charges are associated with the judge's participation in extrajudicial activities permitted by this Code. (b) Reimbursement of expenses for necessary travel, food, lodging, or other incidental expenses shall be limited to the actual costs reasonably incurred by the judge and, when appropriate to the occasion, by the judge's spouse, domestic partner, or guest. COMMENT [1] Educational, civic, religious, fraternal, and charitable organizations often sponsor meetings, seminars, symposia, dinners, awards ceremonies, and similar events. Judges are encouraged to attend educational programs, as both teachers and participants, in law-related and academic disciplines, in furtherance of their duty to remain competent in the law. Participation in a variety of other extrajudicial activities is also permitted and encouraged by this Code. -79- [2] Not infrequently, sponsoring organizations invite certain judges to attend seminars or other events on a fee-waived or partial fee-waived basis, and sometimes include reimbursement for necessary travel, food, lodging, or other incidental expenses. A judge's decision whether to accept reimbursement of expenses or a waiver or partial waiver of fees or charges in connection with these or other extrajudicial activities must be based upon an assessment of all the circumstances. The judge must undertake a reasonable inquiry to obtain the information necessary to make an informed judgment about whether acceptance would be consistent with the requirements of this Code. [3] A judge must assure himself or herself that acceptance of reimbursement or fee waivers would not appear to a reasonable person to undermine the judge's independence, integrity, or impartiality. The factors that a judge should consider when deciding whether to accept reimbursement or a fee waiver for attendance at a particular activity include: (a) whether the sponsor is an accredited educational institution or bar association rather than a trade association or a for-profit entity; (b) whether the funding comes largely from numerous contributors rather than from a single entity and is earmarked for programs with specific content; (c) whether the content is related or unrelated to the subject matter of litigation pending or impending before the judge, or to matters that are likely to come before the judge; (d) whether the activity is primarily educational rather than recreational, and whether the costs of the event are reasonable and comparable to those associated with similar events sponsored by the judiciary, bar associations, or similar groups; (e) whether information concerning the activity and its funding sources is available upon inquiry; (f) whether the sponsor or source of funding is generally associated with particular parties or interests currently appearing or likely to appear in the judge's court, thus possibly requiring disqualification of the judge under Rule 18-102.11; (g) whether differing viewpoints are presented; and (h) whether a broad range of judicial and nonjudicial participants are invited, whether a large number of participants are invited, and whether the program is designed specifically for judges. -80- Source: This Rule is derived from former Rule 3.14 of Rule 16813 (2016). -81- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING EXTRAJUDICIAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-103.15. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS (ABA RULE 3.15) A judge shall accurately complete and timely file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement on the form and as otherwise prescribed by the Court of Appeals pursuant to Rule 18-603. Source: This Rule is derived from former Rule 3.15 of Rule 16813 (2016). -82- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING POLITICAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-104.1. (a) DEFINITIONS (ABA RULE 4.1) Applicant (1) "Applicant" means an individual who has applied for appointment by the Governor to a judicial office. (2) The individual becomes an applicant when the individual files an application with a judicial nominating commission and remains an applicant until the Governor makes an appointment to that judicial office unless, prior to that time, the individual formally withdraws the application. (3) If the individual is not appointed but, pursuant to an Executive Order of the Governor or other law, remains eligible for appointment to another judicial office without a further application to or recommendation from the judicial nominating commission, the individual remains an applicant until the Governor makes an appointment to that other judicial office, unless, prior to that time, the individual formally withdraws the application. Cross reference: (b) Executive Order 01.01.2015.09. Candidate "Candidate" means a candidate for election or a District Court candidate for retention. -83- (c) Candidate for Election (1) "Candidate for election" means an individual who: (A) seeks initial election to a circuit court or an Orphans' Court; (B) is an incumbent judge of a circuit court or Orphans' Court and seeks to retain that office through an election conducted pursuant to Article IV, §3, 5, or 40 of the Maryland Constitution; or (C) is an incumbent judge of the Court of Appeals or Court of Special Appeals and seeks to retain that office through a retention election conducted pursuant to Article IV, §5A of the Maryland Constitution. (2) An individual becomes a candidate for election: (A) if the individual is a newly appointed judge, from the date the judge takes the oath of office; (B) if the individual is any other incumbent judge, from the earlier of: (i) the date two years prior to the general election pertaining to that judge's re-election or subsequent retention; or (ii) the date on which a newly appointed judge to that court becomes a candidate in the same general election. (C) if the individual is a judge who seeks election to another judicial office, the earlier of: (i) the date on which the judge files a certificate of candidacy in accordance with Maryland election laws, but no -84- earlier than two years prior to the general election for that office; or (ii) the date on which a newly appointed judge to that court becomes a candidate in the same general election; and (D) if the individual is an attorney who seeks a judicial office, the date on which the attorney files a certificate of candidacy in accordance with Maryland election laws, but no earlier than two years prior to the general election for the office. (3) An individual who becomes a candidate under section (c) of this Rule remains a candidate until the general election for the office unless, prior to that time, the individual files a formal withdrawal of candidacy in accordance with Maryland election laws. (d) District Court Candidate for Retention "District Court candidate for retention" means an incumbent judge of the District Court who seeks retention for an additional term pursuant to Article IV, §41D of the Maryland Constitution. A District Court judge becomes a candidate for retention from the date one year prior to the expiration of the judge's current term. (e) Political Organization "Political organization" includes a political party, a political committee, and a partisan organization, as those terms are defined in Maryland Code, Election Article, §1-101. -85- COMMENT [1] Rule 18-104.1 is intended to reflect and focus on the different ways in which judges in Maryland are selected and retained. See Maryland Constitution, Article IV, §5A (appellate judges), §§3 and 5 (circuit court judges), §41D (District Court judges), and §40 (Orphans' Court judges). (a) In all cases, a vacancy is filled by appointment by the Governor. The appointment of appellate, District Court, and Orphans' Court judges requires the advice and consent of the Senate; the appointment of circuit court judges does not. (b) Appellate judges then face an uncontested plebiscite election (yes or no for continuance in office) for an additional 10-year term, following which they face another such election for a succeeding term. (c) Circuit court judges face a potentially contested primary and general election for a 15-year term, at the end of which, in order to remain in office, they must be appointed by the Governor for a "bridge" term until the next election and then prevail in that election. (d) District Court judges do not face election but receive a 10-year term, at the end of which, they must be reappointed by the Governor subject to confirmation by the Senate. (e) Orphans' Court judges face a potentially contested primary and general election every four years. [2] The first context, applicable to all appellate, circuit court, and District Court judges and many Orphans' Court judges, is initial appointment by the Governor to fill a vacancy. Except for Orphans' Court judges, that requires an application to and consideration by a judicial nominating commission, which normally interviews the applicants, receives information and recommendations from Bar Associations, other interested groups, and members of the public, and sends to the Governor a list of recommended applicants. The Governors have agreed, expressly or tacitly, to appoint from the list of applicants recommended by the applicable nominating commission. The applicants may be attorneys seeking initial appointment to the Bench, incumbent circuit court judges seeking reappointment, upon the expiration of their 15-year term, for a "bridge" period until the next election, or other judges seeking appointment to a different court. Rule 18-104.1 (a) defines those individuals as "applicants." -86- [3] An individual seeking election, either through a potentially contested election (circuit court and Orphans' Court) or through a plebiscite-type retention election (appellate judges), is defined in Rule 18-104.1 (c) as a "candidate for election." A District Court judge, at the end of the 10-year term, faces confirmation by the Senate for an additional term. That judge is not a candidate for election but is defined in Rule 18-104.1 (d) as a "District Court candidate for retention." [4] Rules 18-104.2 through 18-104.6 specify the political activity allowed or not allowed to individuals falling within those categories, as well as to incumbent judges who are not within any of them. [5] Even when subject to election, a judge plays a role different from that of a legislator or executive branch official. Rather than making decisions based on the expressed views or preferences of the electorate, a judge makes decisions based on the law and the facts of each case. In furtherance of that interest, judges and candidates for judicial office must, to the greatest extent possible, be free and appear to be free from political influence and political pressure. Rules 18-104.1 through 18.104.6 impose narrowly tailored restrictions on the political and campaign activities of all judges and candidates for judicial office. Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 4.1 of Rule 16-813 -87- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING POLITICAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-104.2. POLITICAL CONDUCT OF JUDGE WHO IS NOT A CANDIDATE (ABA RULE 4.2) (a) A judge who is not a candidate shall not engage in any partisan political activity. (b) A judge shall resign when the judge becomes a candidate for a non-judicial office, except that a judge may continue to hold judicial office while a candidate for election as a delegate to a Maryland Constitutional Convention. Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 4.2 of Rule 16-813 -88- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING POLITICAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-104.3. POLITICAL CONDUCT OF APPLICANT (ABA RULE 4.3) An applicant for judicial office may initiate communications or contact with a judicial nominating commission or its members and may seek endorsements for the appointment from any other person, other than a political organization. COMMENT [1] Rule 18-104.3 is derived in part from Rule 4.3 of the 2007 ABA Code but departs from it in one important respect. Under Rule 18-104.3, an applicant may initiate communications or contact with a judicial nominating commission or its members, but neither the Commission nor its members are obliged to respond to such communications or contact. Applicants may appear for interviews before the commission and may respond to questions or inquiries from commission members, and they may solicit endorsements from other persons (other than a political organization). If they have a question regarding the procedure or their application, they may contact the Administrative Office of the Courts. Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 4.3 of Rule 16-813 -89- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING POLITICAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-104.4. POLITICAL CONDUCT OF CANDIDATE FOR ELECTION (ABA RULE 4.4) A candidate for election: (a) shall comply with all applicable election laws and regulations; (b) shall act at all times in a manner consistent with the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary and maintain the dignity appropriate to judicial office; (c) subject to the other provisions of this Rule, may engage in partisan political activity allowed by law with respect to such candidacy, and, in that regard: (1) may publicly endorse or oppose candidates for the same judicial office; (2) may attend or purchase tickets for dinners or other events sponsored by a political organization or a candidate for public office; and (3) may seek, accept, and use endorsements from any person; but (4) shall not act as a leader in or hold office in a political organization, make a speech for a candidate or political organization, or publicly endorse a candidate for non- -90- judicial office. (d) As to statements and materials made or produced during a campaign: (1) shall review, approve, and be responsible for the content of all campaign statements and materials produced by the candidate or by the candidate's campaign committee or other authorized agents; (2) shall take reasonable measures to ensure that other persons do not undertake on behalf of the candidate activities that the candidate is prohibited from doing by this Rule; (3) with respect to a case, controversy, or issue that is likely to come before the court, shall not make a commitment, pledge, or promise that is inconsistent with the impartial performance of the adjudicative duties of the office; (4) shall not make any statement that would reasonably be expected to affect the outcome or impair the fairness of a matter pending or impending in any court; (5) shall not knowingly, or with reckless disregard for the truth, misrepresent the candidate's identity or qualifications, the identity or qualifications of an opponent, or any other fact, or make any false or misleading statement; (6) may speak or write on behalf of the candidate's candidacy through any medium, including advertisements, websites, or other campaign literature; and (7) subject to section (b) of this Rule, may respond to a personal attack or an attack on the candidate's record. -91- COMMENT [1] This Rule is derived in part from former Md. Code of Judicial Conduct Canon 5B and from the 2007 ABA Code, but it has been substantially reorganized into three basic segments: general requirements (sections (a) and (b)); the extent to which candidates for election may engage in partisan political conduct (section (c)); and the rules governing campaign statements (section (d)). [2] Rule 18-104.4 (a) requires candidates for election to comply with all election laws and regulations. The Election Law Article of the Maryland Code contains laws governing candidates, campaign contributions, finance, expenditures, and reporting. Those requirements are supplemented by regulations adopted by the State Board of Elections. Candidates for election must become familiar with applicable laws and regulations and comply with them. [3] Public confidence in the independence and impartiality of the judiciary is eroded if judges or candidates for judicial office are perceived to be subject to political influence. Although they may register to vote as members of a political party, they are prohibited by Rule 18-104.4 (c)(4) from assuming leadership roles in political organizations. [4] Rule 18-104.4 (c)(4) also prohibits candidates for election from making speeches on behalf of political organizations or publicly endorsing or opposing candidates for public office, to prevent them from abusing the prestige of judicial office to advance the interests of others. See Rule 18101.3. Rule 18-104.4 does not prohibit candidates for election from (a) campaigning on their own behalf, (b) endorsing or opposing candidates for election to the same judicial office for which they are running, or (c) from having their name on the same sample ballot as a candidate for another public office. [5] Although members of the families of candidates for election are free to engage in their own political activity, including running for public office, there is no "family exception" to the prohibition in Rule 18-104.4 (c)(4) against publicly endorsing candidates for public office. A candidate for election must not become involved in, or be publicly associated with, a family member's political activity or campaign for public office. To avoid public misunderstanding, candidates for election should take, and should urge members of their families to take, reasonable steps to avoid any implication that they endorse any family member's candidacy or other political activity. -92- [6] Judicial candidates must be scrupulously fair and accurate in all statements made by them and by their campaign committees. Rule 18-104.4 (d)(5) obligates them to refrain from making statements that are false or misleading, or that omit facts necessary to make the communication considered as a whole not materially misleading. Rule 18-104.4 (d)(1) requires the candidate to review and approve the content of statements made by the candidate's campaign committee or other authorized agents and makes the candidate responsible for those statements. [7] Candidates for election are sometimes the subject of false, misleading, or unfair allegations made by opposing candidates, third parties, or the media. As long as the candidate for election does not violate Rule 18-104.4 (d), he or she may make a factually accurate public response, although it is preferable for someone else to respond if the allegations relate to a pending case. If an independent third party has made unwarranted attacks on a candidate for election's opponent, the candidate for election may disavow the attacks and request the third party to cease and desist. [8] Rule 18-104.4 (d)(3) prohibits candidates for election, with regard to cases or issues likely to come before the court, from making a commitment, promise, or pledge that is inconsistent with the impartial performance of the adjudicative duties of the office. The making of a commitment, promise, or pledge is not dependent on, or limited to, the use of any specific words or phrases. The totality of the statement must be examined to determine if a reasonable person would believe that the candidate has specifically undertaken to reach a particular result. Commitments, promises, and pledges must be contrasted with statements or announcements of personal views on legal, political, or other issues, which are not prohibited. When making such statements, a judge should acknowledge the overarching judicial obligation to apply and uphold the law, without regard to his or her personal views. Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 4.4 of Rule 16-813 -93- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING POLITICAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-104.5. POLITICAL CONDUCT OF DISTRICT COURT CANDIDATE FOR RETENTION (ABA RULE 4.5) A District Court candidate for retention: (a) may contact and communicate with the Governor and members of the State Senate regarding the candidate's reconfirmation; (b) may seek, accept, and use endorsements from any person; (c) shall act at all times in a manner consistent with the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary and maintain the dignity appropriate to judicial office; (d) subject to section (c) of this Rule, may respond to a personal attack or an attack on the candidate's record; (e) with respect to a case, controversy, or issue that is likely to come before the court, shall not make a commitment, pledge, or promise that is inconsistent with the impartial performance of the adjudicative duties of the office; and (f) shall not knowingly or with reckless disregard for the truth misrepresent the candidate's identity or qualifications or any other fact. COMMENT [1] Because a District Court candidate for retention does not face an election, the political activity allowed is much more limited. It is reasonable to permit the judge to contact the -94- Governor, who must transmit the judge's name to the Senate, and members of the Senate, regarding the judge's reconfirmation, and to seek endorsements that may be helpful to the judge in that regard. The constraints in sections (c) through (f) of this Rule, which are taken from Rule 18-104.4, are applicable as well to even this political activity. Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 4.5 of Rule 16-813 -95- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 100 – MARYLAND CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT RULES GOVERNING POLITICAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-104.6. (a) APPLICABILITY AND DISCIPLINE (ABA RULE 4.6) A candidate who is a judge shall comply with Rules 18- 104.1 through 18-104.6. A candidate who is an attorney shall comply with Rule 19-308.2 of the Maryland Attorneys’ Rules of Professional Conduct. (b) A successful candidate and a judge who unsuccessfully sought a different judicial office are subject to judicial discipline for campaign conduct. An unsuccessful candidate who is an attorney is subject to attorney discipline for campaign conduct. Source: (2016). This Rule is derived from former Rule 4.6 of Rule 16-813 -96- MARYLAND RULES OF PROCEDURE TITLE 18 – JUDGES AND JUDICIAL APPOINTEES CHAPTER 200 - MARYLAND CODE OF CONDUCT FOR JUDICIAL APPOINTEES TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL PROVISIONS, SCOPE, AND DEFINITIONS Rule 18-200.1. GENERAL PROVISIONS Rule 18-200.2. SCOPE (a) District Court Commissioners and Full-time Standing Magistrates, Examiners, and Auditors (b) Part-time Standing Magistrates, Examiners, and Auditors (c) Special Magistrates, Examiners, and Auditors Rule 18-200.3. DEFINITIONS (a) Judicial Appointee (b) Member of Judicial Appointee’s Family (c) Member of Judicial Appointee’s Household (d) Other Definitions RULES GOVERNING INTEGRITY AND THE AVOIDANCE OF IMPROPRIETY Rule 18-201.1. COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW Rule 18-201.2. PROMOTING CONFIDENCE IN THE JUDICIARY Rule 18-201.3. AVOIDING LENDING THE PRESTIGE OF THE POSITION RULES GOVERNING THE PERFORMANCE OF A JUDICIAL APPOINTEE’S DUTIES Rule 18-202.1. GIVING PRECEDENCE TO THE DUTIES OF POSITION Rule 18-202.2. IMPARTIALITY AND FAIRNESS -97- Rule 18-202.3. BIAS, PREJUDICE, AND HARASSMENT Rule 18-202.4. EXTERNAL INFLUENCES ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT Rule 18-202.5. COMPETENCE, DILIGENCE, AND COOPERATION Rule 18-206.6. ENSURING THE RIGHT TO BE HEARD Rule 18-206.7. RESPONSIBILITY TO DECIDE Rule 18-202.8. DECORUM AND DEMEANOR Rule 18-202.9. EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS Rule 18-202.10. STATEMENTS ON PENDING AND IMPENDING CASES Rule 18-202.11. DISQUALIFICATION Rule 18-202.12. SUPERVISORY DUTIES Rule 18-202.13. ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS Rule 18-202.14. DISABILITY AND IMPAIRMENT OR OTHERS Rule 18-202.15. RESPONDING TO JUDICIAL AND ATTORNEY MISCONDUCT Rule 18-202.16. COOPERATION WITH DISCIPLINARY AUTHORITIES RULES GOVERNING EXTRA-OFFICIAL ACTIVITY Rule 18-203.1. EXTRA-OFFICIAL ACTIVITIES IN GENERAL Rule 18-203.2. APPEARANCES BEFORE GOVERNMENTAL BODIES AND CONSULTATION WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS Rule 18-203.3. TESTIFYING AS A CHARACTER WITNESS Rule 18-203.4. APPOINTMENT [Text truncated at 120,000 characters. The full text is on the page linked above.] --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/court_rules%3Amd%3A42edbd015890a69b. Public record. Not legal advice.