Ariz. R. Sup. Ct. 2.5
Ariz. R. Sup. Ct. 2.5
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 lawyers 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 unnecessary costs.
5. Article 2, § 11 of the Arizona Constitution requires that "Justice in all cases shall be administered openly, and without unnecessary delay." Article 6, Section 21 provides that "Every matter submitted to a judge of the superior court for his decision shall be decided within sixty days from the submission thereof. The supreme court shall by rule provide for the speedy disposition of all matters not decided within such period." See Rule 91(e), Rules of the Supreme Court; A.R.S. § 12-128.01. In addition, A. R.S. § 11-424.02(A) prohibits a justice of the peace from receiving compensation if a cause "remains pending and undetermined for sixty days after it has been submitted for decision." These and other time requirements are discussed in depth in Arizona Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee, Advisory Opinion 06-02 (April 25, 2006).