Me. Code. Jud. Cond. 2.1

As amended through November 25, 2024

Rule 2.1 - Giving Precedence to the Duties of Judicial Office

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

Adopted July 1, 2015, effective 9/1/2015.

Advisory Notes - 2015

Rule 2.1 is identical to ABA Model Code Rule 2.1. It is more generally worded but has the same effect as 1993 Canon 3(A). The 1993 Advisory Committee's Note to Canon 3(A) stated: "Canon 3A emphasizes that the judge's official responsibilities have the first claim on the judge's time and supersede any personal or private interest." Canon 3(A) emphasized that the performance of the duties generally referenced in Canon 3(A) would be governed by "the standards set forth in sections B through E of this Canon."

The 2011 ABA Model Code Comments to Rule 2.1 state:

[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] 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.