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June 02, 2020

Courts' Duties to Lawyers

  1. We will be courteous, respectful, and civil to lawyers, parties, and witnesses.We will maintain control of the proceedings, recognizing that judges have boththe obligation and the authority to insure that all litigation proceedings areconducted in a civil manner.
  2. We will not employ hostile, demeaning, or humiliating words in opinions orin written or oral communications with lawyers, parties, or witnesses.
  3. We will be punctual in convening all hearings, meetings, and conferences;if delayed, we will notify counsel, if possible.
  4. In scheduling all hearings, meetings and conferences we will be considerateof time schedules of lawyers, parties, and witnesses.
  5. We will make all reasonable efforts to decide promptly all matters presentedto us for decision.
  6. We will give the issues in controversy deliberate, impartial, and studiedanalysis and consideration.
  7. While endeavoring to resolve disputes efficiently, we will be considerateof the time constraints and pressures imposed on lawyers by the exigencies oflitigation practice.
  8. We recognize that a lawyer has a right and a duty to present a cause ftillyand properly, and that a litigant has a right to a fair and impartial hearing.Within the practical limits of time, we will allow lawyers to present properarguments and to make a complete and accurate record.
  9. We will not impugn the integrity or professionalism of any lawyer on thebasis of the clients whom or the causes which a lawyer represents.
  10. We will do our best to insure that court personnel act civilly toward lawyers,parties, and witnesses.
  11. We will not adopt procedures that needlessly increase litigation expense.
  12. We will bring to lawyers' attention uncivil conduct which we observe.