Rule 2.4. stated

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.

Judges can be subject to discipline for conduct in private matters. In In re

Cox, 658 A.2d 1056, 1057-58 (Me. 1995), the Court disciplined a former judge

by disbarment from the practice of law for what the Court described as

“avaricious and dishonest conduct” involving fraud committed in a private real

estate transaction that occurred while sitting as a judge. The judge’s private

conduct had led to complaints to the Committee following the trial described in

Ferrell v. Cox, 617 A.2d 1003 (Me. 1992).

Competence, Diligence, and Cooperation

(A)

A judge shall perform judicial and administrative duties

competently and diligently.

(B)

A judge shall cooperate with other judges in the administration of

court business.