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 2.16 - Cooperation with Disciplinary Authorities

R.i. Sup. Ct. R. 2.16

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As amended through June 7, 2024
Rule 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, or to have filed a complaint against, a judge or a lawyer.

R.i. Sup. Ct. R. 2.16

Revised 9/1/2023.

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.

[2] This rule also applies to judges who are the subject of an investigation or complaint as well as to judges who are requested to cooperate in an investigation of another judge or lawyer. However, the privilege against self-incrimination under the United States and Rhode Island Constitutions may be asserted. Such an assertion would not be a violation of Rule 2.16.