Me. Code. Jud. Cond. 2.12

As amended through November 25, 2024

Rule 2.12 - Supervisory Duties

(A) 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 should take reasonable measures to ensure that those judges properly discharge their judicial responsibilities, including the prompt disposition of matters before them.

Adopted July 1, 2015, effective 9/1/2015.

Advisory Notes - 2015

Rule 2.12 is similar to 1993 Canon 3(C)(2) and (3). Rule 2.12(A) though more broadly stated, is somewhat duplicative of Rule 2.8(B) and 2.10(B). It is maintained here to keep consistency with organization and numbering of the 2011 ABA Model Code. References in 1993 Canon 3(C)(2) to a judge's responsibility to avoid bias or prejudice are now addressed in Rule 2.3. Maine 1993 Canon 3(C)(3) states: "A judge with supervisory authority for the judicial performance of other judges shall take reasonable measures to assure the prompt disposition of matters before them and the proper performance of their other judicial responsibilities."

Rule 2.12(B) does not include the final phrase "and the proper performance of their other judicial responsibilities" that appears in 1993 Canon 3(C)(3) after the words "before them." Rule 2.12(B) uses the term "should" to recognize that supervisory judges have appropriately limited authority to mandate the conduct of other judges and cannot always assure that judges will follow suggested directions.