# Me. Code Jud. Conduct R. 2.5: Rule 2.5. is similar to 1993 Canon 3(C)(1), but with references to bias

> Maine · Court rules · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_ME_JUDCOND_R2_5

## Section

- **Citation:** Me. Code Jud. Conduct R. 2.5
- **Heading:** Rule 2.5. is similar to 1993 Canon 3(C)(1), but with references to bias
- **Jurisdiction:** Maine
- **Kind:** Court rules
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Maine Rules of Court / Maine Code of Judicial Conduct / Me. Code Jud. Conduct R. 2.5

## Text

removed, as bias issues are covered in other Rules, including Rule 2.3 and Rule
3.6, in this redraft. In paragraph (B) “shall” is substituted for the 1993 Canon’s
“should.” The 1993 Advisory Committee’s Note for Canon 3(C)(1) stated:

Canon 3C covers a judge’s administrative responsibilities.
Canon 3C(1) is intended “to prohibit a judge from manifesting bias
or prejudice in the performance of administrative duties and to
encourage, rather than to require, the more practicable duty of
cooperation rather than facilitation” in dealings with other court
personnel. ABA Model Code (1990), Committee Note to Section
3C(1). Thus, “should,” rather than “shall,” is used in the second
sentence. See also Canons 2C, 3B(5), (6).

Ensuring the Right to Be Heard

(A)
A judge shall accord to every person who has a legal interest in a
proceeding, or that person’s lawyer, the right to be heard according to
law.

(B)
A judge may encourage parties to a proceeding and their lawyers
to settle matters in dispute but shall not act in a manner that forces any
party to settle. A judge may participate in case management conferences,
judicial settlement conferences, and dispositional conferences, and such
participation alone does not disqualify the judge from participating in
later adjudicatory proceedings.

(C)
A judge may take affirmative steps, consistent with the law, as the
judge deems appropriate to enable an unrepresented litigant to be heard.
A judge may explain the requirements of applicable rules and statutes so
that a person appearing before the judge understands the process to be
employed. A judge may also inform unrepresented individuals of free or
reduced cost legal or other assistance that is available in the courthouse
or elsewhere.

## Nearby sections

- [Me. Code Jud. Conduct R. 1.1 Rule 1.1. is similar to the first phrase in 1993 Canon 2(A), which stated,](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_ME_JUDCOND_R1_1.md)
- [Me. Code Jud. Conduct R. 1.2 Rule 1.2. is based on the language in ABA Model Code Rule 1.2.7 This](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_ME_JUDCOND_R1_2.md)
- [Me. Code Jud. Conduct R. 1.3 Rule 1.3. is the replacement for 1993 Canon 2(B), but it is more broadly](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_ME_JUDCOND_R1_3.md)
- [Me. Code Jud. Conduct R. 2.1 Rule 2.1. is identical to ABA Model Code Rule 2.1. It is more generally](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_ME_JUDCOND_R2_1.md)
- [Me. Code Jud. Conduct R. 2.2 Rule 2.2. states that, to find an ethical violation, the Committee must](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_ME_JUDCOND_R2_2.md)
- [Me. Code Jud. Conduct R. 2.3 Rule 2.3. , but with the addition of “for or against an individual or party” in the](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_ME_JUDCOND_R2_3.md)
- [Me. Code Jud. Conduct R. 2.4 Rule 2.4. stated](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_ME_JUDCOND_R2_4.md)
- [Me. Code Jud. Conduct R. 2.5 Rule 2.5. is similar to 1993 Canon 3(C)(1), but with references to bias](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_ME_JUDCOND_R2_5.md)
- [Me. Code Jud. Conduct R. 2.6 Rule 2.6. should be regarded as providing continuing ethical guidance for](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_ME_JUDCOND_R2_6.md)
- [Me. Code Jud. Conduct R. 2.7 Rule 2.7. Responsibility to Decide](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_ME_JUDCOND_R2_7.md)
- [Me. Code Jud. Conduct R. 2.8 Rule 2.8. (A) is identical to 1993 Canon 3(B)(3), except for the substitution](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_ME_JUDCOND_R2_8.md)
- [Me. Code Jud. Conduct R. 2.9 Rule 2.9. (C) is amended from the Model Code version to clarify that a](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_ME_JUDCOND_R2_9.md)
- [Me. Code Jud. Conduct R. 2.10 Rule 2.10. is not violated by any statement made by a judge in the course of](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_ME_JUDCOND_R2_10.md)
- [Me. Code Jud. Conduct R. 2.11 Rule 2.11. Disqualification or Recusal](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_ME_JUDCOND_R2_11.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_ME_JUDCOND_R2_5. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.