RULE 2-2.1 Giving Precedence to the Duties of Judicial Office
(A) The duties of judicial office, as prescribed by law, shall take precedence over a judge's personal and extrajudicial activities.(B) Absent exigent circumstances documented in the case record, judges shall be present at a courthouse or court facility when conducting hearings during which the parties are participating by telephone or video conference as permitted under Rule 55.30(b) or other applicable rule or statute.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 recusal. See Canon 3. [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. RULE 2-2.2 Impartiality and Fairness
(A) A judge shall uphold and apply the law, and shall perform all duties of judicial office promptly, efficiently, fairly and impartially. (B) A judge may make reasonable efforts, consistent with the law and court rules, to facilitate all litigants, including self-represented litigants, being fairly heard.Comment
[1] In disposing of matters promptly and efficiently, a judge must demonstrate due regard for the rights of the parties to be heard and to have issues resolved without unnecessary costs or delay. 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 2-2.2. [4] A judge may make reasonable accommodations to afford litigants the opportunity to have their matters fairly heard.RULE 2-2.3 Bias, Prejudice and Harassment
(1) A judge who manifests bias or prejudice, or engages in harassment, in a proceeding impairs the fairness of the proceeding and brings the judiciary into disrepute. (2) Whether a judge's conduct violates Rule 2-2.3 can be determined only by a review of all the circumstances; e.g., the gravity of the acts and whether the acts are part of a pattern of prohibited conduct. For purposes of Rule 2-2.3, "manifests bias or prejudice" means the use of words or conduct that the judge knew or should have known discriminate against, threaten, intimidate, or denigrate any individual or group. Examples of manifestations of bias or prejudice include, but are not limited to, epithets; slurs; demeaning nicknames; negative stereotyping; attempted humor based upon stereotypes; threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts; suggestions of connections between race, ethnicity, or nationality and crime; and irrelevant references to personal characteristics. Even facial expressions and body language can convey to parties and lawyers in the proceeding, jurors, the media, and others an appearance of bias or prejudice. A judge must avoid conduct that may reasonably be perceived as prejudiced or biased. (3) Harassment, as referred to in paragraphs (B) and (C), is verbal or physical conduct that shows hostility or aversion toward a person based upon race, sex, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, or marital status. "Harassment" includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:(a) submission to that conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of the individual's employment;(b) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a factor in decisions affecting such individual; or(c) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. (D) The restrictions of paragraphs (B) and (C) do not preclude judges or lawyers from making legitimate reference to personal factors or characteristics, when they are relevant to an issue in a proceeding. Comment
[1] A judge who manifests bias or prejudice, or engages in harassment, in a proceeding impairs the fairness of the proceeding and brings the judiciary into disrepute. [2] Whether a judge's conduct violates Rule 2-2.3 can be determined only by a review of all the circumstances; e.g., the gravity of the acts and whether the acts are part of a pattern of prohibited conduct. For purposes of Rule 2-2.3, "manifests bias or prejudice" means the use of words or conduct that the judge knew or should have known discriminate against, threaten, intimidate, or denigrate any individual or group. Examples of manifestations of bias or prejudice include, but are not limited to, epithets; slurs; demeaning nicknames; negative stereotyping; attempted humor based upon stereotypes; threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts; suggestions of connections between race, ethnicity, or nationality and crime; and irrelevant references to personal characteristics. Even facial expressions and body language can convey to parties and lawyers in the proceeding, jurors, the media, and others an appearance of bias or prejudice. A judge must avoid conduct that may reasonably be perceived as prejudiced or biased. [3] Harassment, as referred to in paragraphs (B) and (C), is verbal or physical conduct that shows hostility or aversion toward a person based upon race, sex, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, or marital status. "Harassment" includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:(a) submission to that conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of the individual's employment;(b) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a factor in decisions affecting such individual; or(c) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. [4] Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is unwelcome. RULE 2-2.4 External Influences on Judicial Conduct
(A) A judge shall not be swayed by partisan interests, public clamor or fear of criticism. (B) A judge shall not permit family, social, political, religious, or other relationships to influence the judge's judicial conduct or judgment. (C) A judge shall not convey or permit others to convey the impression that any person or organization is in a special position to influence the judge.Comment
[1] A fair, impartial, and independent judiciary requires that judges decide cases according to the law and facts, without regard to whether particular laws or litigants are popular or unpopular with the public, the media, government officials, or the judge's friends or family. Confidence in the judiciary is eroded if judicial decision making is perceived to be subject to inappropriate outside influences.RULE 2-2.5 Competence, Diligence, and Cooperation
(A) A judge shall perform judicial and administrative duties competently and diligently. (B) A judge shall cooperate with other judges and court officials in the administration of court business.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, efficiently and fairly, 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 supervise cases in ways that reduce or eliminate dilatory practices, avoidable delays, and unnecessary costs.[5] Absent exigent circumstances documented in the case record, judges shall be present at a courthouse or court facility when conducting hearings during which the parties are participating by telephone or video conference as permitted under Rule 55.30(b) or other applicable rule or statute.RULE 2-2.6 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 coerces any party into settlement.Comment
[1] The right to be heard is an essential component of a fair and impartial system of justice. Substantive rights of litigants can be protected only if procedures protecting the right to be heard are observed. [2] The judge plays an important role in overseeing the settlement of disputes, but should be careful that efforts to further settlement do not undermine any party's right to be heard according to law. The judge should keep in mind the effect that the judge's participation in settlement discussions may have, not only on the judge's own views of the case, but also on the perceptions of the lawyers and the parties if the case remains with the judge after settlement efforts are unsuccessful. Among the factors that a judge should consider when deciding upon an appropriate settlement practice for a case are: (1) whether the parties have requested or voluntarily consented to a certain level of participation by the judge in settlement discussions, (2) whether the parties and their counsel are relatively sophisticated in legal matters, (3) whether the case will be tried by the judge or a jury, (4) whether the parties participate with their counsel in settlement discussions, (5) whether any parties are unrepresented by counsel, and (6) whether the matter is civil or criminal. [3] Judges must be mindful of the effect settlement discussions can have, not only on their objectivity and impartiality, but also on the appearance of their objectivity and impartiality. Despite a judge's best efforts, there may be instances when information obtained during settlement discussions could influence a judge's decision making during trial, and, in such instances, the judge should consider whether recusal may be appropriate. See Rule 2-2.11(A)(1). RULE 2-2.7 Responsibility to Decide
A judge shall hear and decide matters assigned to the judge, except when recusal is appropriate under this code or other law.
Comment
[1] Judges must be available to decide the matters that come before the court. There are times when recusal is appropriate to avoid the appearance of impropriety, to protect the rights of litigants, and to preserve public confidence in the fairness, independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary. The dignity of the court, the judge's respect for fulfillment of judicial duties, and a proper concern for the burdens that may be imposed upon the judge's colleagues require that a judge not use recusal to avoid cases that present difficult, controversial, or unpopular issues. RULE 2-2.8 Decorum, Demeanor, and Communication with Jurors
(A) A judge shall require order and decorum in proceedings before the court. (B) A judge shall be patient, dignified, and courteous to litigants, jurors, witnesses, lawyers, court staff, court officials, and others with whom the judge deals in an official capacity, and shall require similar conduct of lawyers, court staff, court officials, and others subject to the judge's direction and control.(C) A judge shall not commend or criticize jurors for their verdict other than in a court order or opinion in a proceeding but may express appreciation to jurors for their service to the judicial system and the community. Comment
[1] The duty to hear all proceedings with patience and courtesy is not inconsistent with the duty imposed in Rule 2-2.5 to dispose promptly of the business of the court. Judges can be efficient and businesslike while being patient and deliberate. [2] A judge who is not otherwise prohibited by law from doing so may meet with jurors who choose to remain after trial but should be careful not to discuss the merits of the case.RULE 2-2.9 Ex Parte Communications
(A) A judge shall not initiate, permit, or consider ex parte communications, or consider other communications made to the judge outside the presence of the parties or their lawyers, concerning a pending or impending matter, except as follows: (1) When circumstances require it, ex parte communication for scheduling, administrative, or emergency purposes, which does not address substantive matters, is permitted, provided: (a) the judge reasonably believes that no party will gain a procedural, substantive, or tactical advantage as a result of the ex parte communication; and (b) the judge makes provision promptly to notify all other parties of the substance of the ex parte communication, and gives the parties an opportunity to respond. (2) A judge may obtain the written advice of a disinterested expert on the law applicable to a proceeding before the judge, if the judge gives advance notice to the parties of the person to be consulted and the subject matter of the advice to be solicited, and affords the parties a reasonable opportunity to object and respond to the notice and to the advice received. (3) A judge may consult with court staff and court officials whose functions are to aid the judge in carrying out the judge's adjudicative responsibilities, or with other judges, provided the judge makes reasonable efforts to avoid receiving factual information that is not part of the record, and does not abrogate the responsibility personally to decide the matter. (4) A judge may, with the consent of the parties, confer separately with the parties and their lawyers in an effort to settle matters pending before the judge. (5) A judge may initiate, permit, or consider any ex parte communication when expressly authorized by law to do so. (B) If a judge inadvertently receives an unauthorized ex parte communication that the judge considers bears upon the substance of a matter, the judge shall take appropriate action.(C) A judge shall not investigate facts in a matter independently and shall consider only the evidence presented and any facts that properly may be judicially noticed. (D) A judge shall make reasonable efforts, including providing appropriate supervision, to ensure that this Rule 2-2.9 is not violated by court staff, court officials, and others subject to the judge's direction and control.Comment
[1] To the extent reasonably possible, all parties or their lawyers shall be included in communications with a judge. [2] Whenever the presence of a party or notice to a party is required by this Rule 2-2.9, it is the party's lawyer, or if the party is unrepresented, the party, who is to be present or to whom notice is to be given. [3] The proscription against communications concerning a proceeding includes communications with lawyers, law teachers, and other persons who are not participants in the proceeding, except to the limited extent permitted by this Rule 2-2.9. [4] A judge may initiate, permit, or consider ex parte communications expressly authorized by law, such as when serving on therapeutic or problem-solving courts, mental health courts, or drug courts. In this capacity, judges may assume a more interactive role with parties, treatment providers, probation officers, social workers, and others. [5] A judge may consult with other judges on pending matters, but must avoid ex parte discussions of a case with judges who have previously recused from hearing the matter, and with judges who have appellate jurisdiction over the matter. [6] A judge may consult ethics advisory committees, outside counsel, or legal experts concerning the judge's compliance with this code. Such consultations are not subject to the restrictions of paragraph (A)(2).RULE 2-2.10 Judicial Statements on Pending and Impending Cases
(A) A judge shall not make any public statement that might reasonably be expected to affect the outcome or impair the fairness of a matter pending or impending in any court, or make any nonpublic statement that might substantially interfere with a fair trial or hearing. (B) A judge shall not, in connection with cases, controversies, or issues that are likely to come before the court, make pledges, promises, or commitments that are inconsistent with the impartial performance of the adjudicative duties of judicial office, unless the judge recuses under Rule 2-2.11(A)(4). (C) A judge shall require court staff, court officials, and others subject to the judge's direction and control to refrain from making statements that the judge would be prohibited from making by paragraphs (A) and (B). (D) Notwithstanding the restrictions in paragraph (A), a judge may make public statements in the course of official duties, may explain court procedures, and may comment on any proceeding in which the judge is a litigant in a personal capacity. (E) Subject to the requirements of paragraph (A), a judge may respond directly or through a third party to allegations in the media or elsewhere concerning the judge's conduct in a matter.Comment
[1] The restrictions on judicial speech by this Rule 2-2.10 are essential to the maintenance of the independence, fairness, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary. [2] Depending upon the circumstances, the judge should consider whether it may be preferable for a third party, rather than the judge, to respond or issue statements in connection with allegations concerning the judge's conduct in a matter.RULE 2-2.11 Recusal
(A) A judge shall recuse himself or herself in any proceeding in which the judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned, including but not limited to the following circumstances: (1) The judge has a personal bias or prejudice concerning a party or a party's lawyer or knowledge of facts that are in dispute in the proceeding that would preclude the judge from being fair and impartial. (2) The judge knows that he or she, individually or as a fiduciary, or the judge's spouse, parent, or child wherever residing, or any other member of the judge's family residing in the judge's household is: (a) a party to the proceeding, or an officer, director, general partner, managing member, or trustee of a party; (b) acting as a lawyer in the proceeding; (c) a person who has more than a de minimis interest that could be substantially affected by the proceeding; or (d) likely to be a material witness in the proceeding. (3) The judge knows that he or she, individually or as a fiduciary, or the judge's spouse, parent or child wherever residing, or any other member of the judge's family residing in the judge's household, has an economic interest in the subject matter in controversy or in a party to the proceeding. (4) The judge, while a judge or a judicial candidate, has made a public statement, other than in a court proceeding, judicial decision, or opinion, that commits or appears to commit the judge to reach a particular result or rule in a particular way in the proceeding or controversy. (5) The judge: (a) served as a lawyer in the matter in controversy, or was associated with a lawyer who participated substantially as a lawyer in the matter during such association; (b) served in governmental employment, and in such capacity participated personally and substantially as a lawyer or public official concerning the proceeding, or has publicly expressed in such capacity an opinion concerning the merits of the particular matter in controversy; (c) was a material witness concerning the matter. (B) A judge shall keep informed about the judge's personal and fiduciary economic interests, and make a reasonable effort to keep informed about the personal economic interests of the judge's spouse or family members residing in the judge's household. (C) A judge subject to recusal under this Rule 2-2.11, other than for bias or prejudice under paragraph (A)(1), may disclose on the record the basis of the judge's recusal and may ask the parties and their lawyers to consider, outside the presence of the judge and court personnel, whether to waive recusal. If, following the disclosure, the parties and lawyers agree, without participation by the judge or court personnel, that the judge need not recuse, the judge may participate in the proceeding. The agreement shall be incorporated into the record of the proceeding.Comment
[1] Under this Rule 2-2.11, a judge should recuse whenever the judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned, regardless of whether any of the specific provisions of paragraphs (A)(1) to (5) apply. [2] The rule of necessity may override the rule of recusal. For example, a judge might be required to participate in judicial review of matters pertaining to the judiciary, or might be the only judge available in a matter requiring immediate judicial action, such as a hearing on probable cause or a temporary restraining order. In matters that require immediate action, the judge must disclose on the record the basis for possible recusal and make reasonable efforts to transfer the matter to another judge as soon as practicable. [3] The fact that a lawyer in a proceeding is affiliated with a law firm with which a member of the judge's family is affiliated does not itself require the judge's recusal. If, however, the judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned under paragraph (A), or the relative is known by the judge to have an interest in the law firm that could be substantially affected by the proceeding under paragraph (A)(2)(c), the judge's recusal is required. [4] "Economic interest," as set forth in the Terminology section, means ownership of more than a de minimis legal or equitable interest. Except for situations in which a judge participates in the management of such a legal or equitable interest, or the interest could be substantially affected by the outcome of a proceeding before a judge, it does not include: (1) an interest in the individual holdings within a mutual or common investment fund; (2) an interest in securities held by an educational, religious, charitable, fraternal, or civic organization in which the judge or the judge's spouse, or member of the judge's family living in the same household serves as a director, officer, advisor, or other participant; (3) a deposit in a financial institution or deposits or proprietary interests the judge may maintain as a member of a mutual savings association or credit union, or similar proprietary interests; (4) an interest in the issuer of government securities held by the judge; or (5) ownership or other financial interest in small publicly traded corporations unless a proceeding pending or impending before a judge could substantially affect the value of the shares.RULE 2-2.12 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 shall take reasonable measures to ensure that those judges properly discharge their judicial responsibilities, including the prompt disposition of matters before them.Comment
[1] A judge is responsible for his or her own conduct and for the conduct of others, such as staff, when those persons are acting at the judge's direction or control. A judge may not direct court personnel to engage in conduct on the judge's behalf or as the judge's representative when such conduct would violate the code if undertaken by the judge. [2] Public confidence in the judicial system depends upon timely justice. To promote the efficient administration of justice, a judge with supervisory authority must take the steps needed to ensure that judges under his or her supervision administer their workloads promptly. RULE 2-2.13 Administrative Appointments
(A) In making administrative appointments, a judge: (1) shall exercise the power of appointment impartially and on the basis of merit; and (2) shall avoid nepotism, favoritism, and unnecessary appointments. (B) A judge shall not approve compensation of appointees beyond the fair value of services rendered.Comment
[1] Appointees of a judge include assigned counsel, officials such as referees, commissioners, special masters, receivers, and guardians, and personnel such as clerks, secretaries, and bailiffs. Consent by the parties to an appointment or an award of compensation does not relieve the judge of the obligations prescribed by paragraphs (A) and (B). [2] Unless otherwise defined by law, nepotism is the appointment or hiring of any relative within the fourth degree of relationship by consanguinity or affinity. See Mo. Const. article VII, section 6. RULE 2-2.14 Disability and Impairment
A judge having a reasonable belief that the performance of a lawyer or another judge is impaired by drugs or alcohol, or by a mental, emotional, or physical condition, shall take appropriate action, which may include a confidential referral to a lawyer or judicial assistance program.
Comment
[1] "Appropriate action" means action intended and reasonably likely to help the judge or lawyer in question address the problem and prevent harm to the justice system. Depending upon the circumstances, appropriate action may include but is not limited to speaking directly to the impaired person, notifying an individual with supervisory responsibility over the impaired person, or making a referral to an assistance program. [2] Taking or initiating corrective action by way of referral to an assistance program may satisfy a judge's responsibility under this Rule 2-2.14. Assistance programs have many approaches for offering help to impaired judges and lawyers, such as intervention, counseling, or referral to appropriate health care professionals. Depending upon the gravity of the conduct that has come to the judge's attention, however, the judge may be required to take other action, such as reporting the impaired judge or lawyer to the appropriate disciplinary authority, agency, or body. See Rule 2-2.15. RULE 2-2.15 Responding to Judicial and Lawyer Misconduct
(A) A judge having knowledge that another judge has committed a violation of this code that raises a substantial question regarding the judge's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a judge in other respects shall inform the appropriate disciplinary authority. (B) A judge having knowledge that a lawyer has committed a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct that raises a substantial question regarding the lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer in other respects shall inform the appropriate disciplinary authority. (C) A judge who receives information indicating a substantial likelihood that another judge has committed a violation of this code shall take appropriate action. (D) A judge who receives information indicating a substantial likelihood that a lawyer has committed a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct shall take appropriate action.Comment
[1] Taking action to address known misconduct is a judge's obligation. Paragraphs (A) and (B) impose an obligation on the judge to report to the appropriate disciplinary authority the known misconduct of another judge or a lawyer that raises a substantial question regarding the honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness of that judge or lawyer. Ignoring or denying known misconduct among one's judicial colleagues or members of the legal profession undermines a judge's responsibility to participate in efforts to ensure public respect for the justice system. This Rule 2-2.15 limits the reporting obligation to those offenses that an independent judiciary must vigorously endeavor to prevent. [2] A judge who does not have actual knowledge that another judge or a lawyer may have committed misconduct, but receives information indicating a substantial likelihood of such misconduct, is required to take appropriate action under paragraphs (C) and (D). Appropriate action may include, but is not limited to, communicating directly with the judge who may have violated this code, communicating with a supervising judge, or reporting the suspected violation to the appropriate disciplinary authority. Similarly, actions to be taken in response to information indicating that a lawyer has committed a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct may include but are not limited to communicating directly with the lawyer who may have committed the violation, or reporting the suspected violation to the appropriate disciplinary authority.RULE 2-2.16 Cooperation with Disciplinary Authorities
(A) A judge shall cooperate and be candid and honest with judicial and lawyer disciplinary agencies. (B) A judge shall not retaliate, directly or indirectly, against a person known or suspected to have assisted or cooperated with an investigation of a judge or a lawyer.Mo. R. Gov. Bar Jud., r. 2, Canon 2
Adopted Jan. 29, 1998, eff. 1/1/1999. Amended July 20, 2011, eff. 1/1/2012; 10/30/2012, eff. 7/1/2013; amended July 18, 2019, eff. 7/18/2019; amended Oct. 1, 2024, eff. 7/1/2025.Comment
[1] Cooperation with investigations and proceedings of judicial and lawyer discipline agencies, as required in paragraph (A), instills confidence in judges' commitment to the integrity of the judicial system and the protection of the public.