Rule 1. A Judge Shall Uphold the Integrity and Independence of the Judiciary



An

independent

and

honorable

judiciary

is

indispensable to achieving justice in our society. A judge

should participate in establishing, maintaining, and enforcing

high standards of judicial conduct. The provisions of this Code

are intended to preserve the integrity and the independence of

the judiciary; the Code should be construed and applied to

further these objectives.

Commentary.—Deference to the judgments and rulings of

courts depends upon public confidence in the integrity and

independence of judges. The integrity and independence of

judges depend in turn upon their acting without fear or favor.

Public confidence in the impartiality of the judiciary is

maintained when judges adhere to the provisions of this Code.

Conversely, violation of this Code diminishes public

confidence in the judiciary and thereby does injury to the

system of government under law.