Vt. Admin. Ord. Of. Sup. Ct. 2.5
Vt. Admin. Ord. Of. Sup. Ct. 2.5
Comment
[1] Competence in the performance of judicial duties requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and preparation reasonably necessary to perform a judge's responsibilities of judicial office.
[2] A judge should seek the necessary docket time, court staff, expertise, and resources to discharge all adjudicative and administrative responsibilities.
[3] Prompt disposition of the court's business requires a judge to devote adequate time to judicial duties, to be punctual in attending court and expeditious in determining matters under submission, and to take reasonable measures to ensure that court officials, litigants, and their lawyers cooperate with the judge to that end.
[4] In disposing of matters promptly and efficiently, a judge must demonstrate due regard for the rights of parties to be heard and to have issues resolved without unnecessary cost or delay. A judge should monitor and supervise cases in ways that reduce or eliminate dilatory practices, avoidable delays, and unnecessary costs.
Reporter's Notes
Rule 2.5(A) combines the duties of competence and diligence found in Vermont Code 1994, Canons 3B(2) and 3C(1), and makes them applicable to both the judicial adjudicative and administrative functions. Rule 2.5(B) is the second half of former Canon 3C(1) revised to make the duty of cooperation mandatory. New Comments [1] and [2] define competence and what is required to attain it. Comments [3] and [4] are derived from ABA Code 1990, Commentary to Canon 3B(8). See Reporter's Notes to Rule 2.2; ABA Reporter's Explanation 94-95.