204 Pa. Code § 99.2 - A Judge's Duties to Lawyers and Other Judges

1. A judge must maintain control of the proceedings and has an obligation to ensure that proceedings are conducted in a civil manner.

2. A judge should show respect, courtesy and patience to the lawyers, parties and all participants in the legal process by treating all with civility.

3. A judge should ensure that court-supervised personnel dress and conduct themselves appropriately and act civilly toward lawyers, parties and witnesses.

4. A judge should refrain from acting upon or manifesting racial, gender or other bias or prejudice toward any participant in the legal process.

5. A judge should always refer to counsel by surname preceded by the preferred title (Mr., Mrs., Ms. or Miss) or by the professional title of attorney or counselor while in the courtroom.

6. A judge should not employ hostile or demeaning words in opinions or in written or oral communications with lawyers, parties or witnesses.

7. A judge should be punctual in convening trials, hearings, meetings and conferences.

8. A judge should be considerate of the time constraints upon lawyers, parties and witnesses and the expenses attendant to litigation when scheduling trials, hearings, meetings and conferences to the extent such scheduling is consistent with the efficient conduct of litigation.

9. A judge should ensure that disputes are resolved in a prompt and efficient manner and give all issues in controversy deliberate, informed and impartial analysis and explain, when appropriate, the reasons for the decision of the court.

10. A judge should allow the lawyers to present proper arguments and to make a complete and accurate record.

11. A judge should not impugn the integrity or professionalism of any lawyer on the basis of the clients whom or the causes which he or she represents.

12. A judge should recognize that the conciliation process is an integral part of litigation and thus should protect all confidences and remain unbiased with respect to conciliation communications.

13. A judge should work in cooperation with all other judges and other jurisdictions with respect to availability of lawyers, witnesses, parties and court resources.

14. A judge should conscientiously assist and cooperate with other jurists to assure the efficient and expeditious processing of cases.

15. Judges should treat each other with courtesy and respect.

Notes

204 Pa. Code § 99.2