Statutes, codes, and regulations
Maryland Court Rules
Title 18 - Judges and Judicial AppointeesChapter 100 - Maryland Code of Judicial Conduct
Rules Governing the Performance of Judicial Duties
Rule 18-102.4 - External Influences on Judicial Conduct (Aba 2.4)

Md. R. Jud. & Judi. Appts. 18-102.4

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As amended through October 15, 2024
Rule 18-102.4 - External Influences on Judicial Conduct (Aba 2.4)
(a) A judge shall not be swayed by public clamor or fear of criticism.
(b) A judge shall not permit family, social, political, financial, or other interests or 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 is in a position to influence the judge.

Md. R. Jud. & Judi. Appts. 18-102.4

This Rule is derived from former Rule 2.4 of Rule 16-813(2016).

Adopted June 6, 2016, eff. 7/1/2016.

COMMENT

[1] An 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.