R.i. Sup. Ct. R. 2.2

As amended through June 7, 2024

Rule 2.2 - Impartiality and Fairness

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

(B) A judge may make reasonable efforts, consistent with the law and court rules, to facilitate the ability of all litigants, including pro se or otherwise self-represented litigants, to be fairly heard.

R.i. Sup. Ct. R. 2.2

Revised 9/1/2023.

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.