Md. R. Jud. & Judi. Appts. 18-102.1

As amended through November 13, 2024

Rule 18-102.1 - Giving Precedence to the Duties of Judicial Office (Aba 2.1)

The duties of judicial office, as prescribed by law, shall take precedence over a judge's personal and extrajudicial activities.

This Rule is derived from former Rule 2.1 of Rule 16-813(2016).

Adopted June 6, 2016, eff. 7/1/2016.

COMMENT

[1] To ensure that judges are available to fulfill their judicial duties, judges must conduct their personal and extrajudicial activities to minimize the risk of conflicts that would result in frequent disqualification.

[2] Although it is not a duty of judicial office unless prescribed by law, judges are encouraged to participate in activities that promote public understanding of and confidence in the justice system.

[3] With respect to time devoted to personal and extrajudicial activities, this Rule must be construed in a reasonable manner. Family obligations, illnesses, emergencies, and permissible extrajudicial activities may require a judge's immediate attention. Attending to those obligations and situations, temporary in nature, is not prohibited by this Rule and should be dealt with in accordance with applicable vacation, sick leave, and administrative leave policies.