Md. R. Jud. & Judi. Appts. 18-102.2

As amended through October 15, 2024

Rule 18-102.2 - Impartiality and Fairness (Aba 2.2)

(a) A judge shall uphold and apply the law and shall perform all duties of judicial office impartially and fairly.

(b) A judge may make reasonable efforts, consistent with the Maryland Rules and other law, to facilitate the ability of all litigants, including self-represented litigants, to be fairly heard.

Md. R. Jud. & Judi. Appts. 18-102.2

This Rule is derived in part from former Rule 2.2 of Rule 16-813(2016) and is in part new.

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

COMMENT

[1] To ensure impartiality and fairness to all parties, a judge must be objective and open-minded.

[2] Although each judge comes to the bench with a unique background and personal philosophy, a judge must interpret and apply the law without regard to whether the judge approves or disapproves of the law in question.

[3] When applying and interpreting the law, a judge sometimes may make good-faith errors of fact or law. Errors of this kind do not violate this Rule.

See Rule 18-102.6 Comment [2].