Vt. Admin. Ord. Of. Sup. Ct. 2.6
Vt. Admin. Ord. Of. Sup. Ct. 2.6
Comment
[1] The right to be heard is an essential component of a fair and impartial system of justice. Substantive rights of litigants can be protected only if procedures protecting the right to be heard are observed.
[2] The judge plays an important role in overseeing the settlement of disputes but should be careful that efforts to further settlement do not undermine any party's right to be heard according to law. The judge should keep in mind the effect that the judge's participation in settlement discussions may have, not only on the judge's own views of the case, but also on the perceptions of the lawyers and the parties if the case remains with the judge after settlement efforts are unsuccessful. Among the factors that a judge should consider when deciding upon an appropriate settlement practice for a case are (1) whether the parties have requested or voluntarily consented to a certain level of participation by the judge in settlement discussions, (2) whether the parties and their counsel are relatively sophisticated in legal matters, (3) whether the case will be tried by the judge or a jury, (4) whether the parties participate with their counsel in settlement discussions, (5) whether any parties are unrepresented by counsel, and (6) whether the matter is civil or criminal.
[3] Judges must be mindful of the effect settlement discussions can have, not only on their objectivity and impartiality, but also on the appearance of their objectivity and impartiality. Despite a judge's best efforts, there may be instances when information obtained during settlement discussions could influence a judge's decisionmaking during trial, and, in such instances, the judge should consider whether disqualification may be appropriate. See Rule 2.11(A)(1).
Reporter's Notes
Rule 2.6(A) carries forward the first sentence of Vermont Code 1994, Canon 3(B)(7). Rule 2.6(B) is new, recognizing the importance of settlement in the resolution of cases by allowing judicial encouragement of it but prohibiting judicial coercion of settlement that may impair the right to be heard. Rule 2.6(B) is derived from the final sentence of ABA Code 1990, Commentary [1] to Canon 3B (8) (not included in Vermont Code 1994; see Introductory Reporter's Notes, above). New Comments [1]-[3] elaborate upon and provide guidance to the interpretation of the Rule. See ABA Reporter's Explanation 95-96.