Statutes, codes, and regulations
Rhode Island Court Rules
Rhode Island Supreme Court RulesJudges, Magistrates, and Judicial ProceedingsArticle VI - Rhode Island Code of Judicial Conduct
Canon 2 - A Judge Shall Perform the Duties of Judicial Office Impartially, Competently, and Diligently
Rule 2.1 - Giving Precedence to the Duties of Judicial Office

R.i. Sup. Ct. R. 2.1

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As amended through June 7, 2024
Rule 2.1 - Giving Precedence to the Duties of Judicial Office

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

R.i. Sup. Ct. R. 2.1

Revised 9/1/2023.

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. See Canon 3.

[2] Judges may attend to personal and family situations, such as the illness or death of a family member,* take a vacation where there is no prejudice to litigants, or engage in professional extrajudicial activities, provided that it is reasonable to do so.

[3] 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.