2. Ethics
ETHICS
The moral principles that control or influence a person’s
behavior are called “Ethics”.
JUDICIAL ETHICS
Code of Conduct – Establishing standards and norms,
laying down guidelines for ethical and moral values in
the judicial system.
3. 1. Independence and Integrity
a) To act conscientiously, without fear or favor
b) Independent thinking
4. 2. Fairness and Impartiality
a) To act in accordance with law
b) To act in a transparent manner
c) Not to act in an arbitrary manner
d) To act in a manner that promotes/restores public
confidence in the judicial system
e) Not to discriminate or be biased/partisan
f) Not to be influenced with personal/social/political/
racial/ religious/ gender prejudice
g) To avoid conflict of interest
5. 3. Competence & Diligence
a) Professional competence
b) Humility and open-mindedness towards
learning/correction
c) Hear cases assigned expeditiously
d) Deliver orders and judgments promptly
e) Active disposal
f) Maintain Court orders and decorum
g) Punctuality and regularity in office.
6. 4. Propriety and Principles
a) Not to exert influence over another through use of
one’s title
b) Not to allow the name of the office to be used for
extra-judicial purposes
c) To dissociate with people of political affiliations or
involved in contentious litigation
d) Be watchful of one’s public gatherings
7. 4. Propriety and Principles
e) Be watchful of giving opinions bearing influence on
controversial matters
f) Avoid comments on merits of matters that are
subjudice
g) Empathy for parties
h) Patient at all times
i) Respect and common courtesy for all
8. Qualities of A Judge
a) A Judicial officer must be at all times, act judicially,
with a mixture of dignity, patience, politeness and
courtesy.
b) All situations should be dealt within a relaxed and
tolerant manner, coupled with firmness, decisiveness
and authority when required.
c) No one could be perfect but at least efforts be made
to achieve the required standard.
9. Professional Qualities
1. Intellectual and analytical ability.
2. Sound Judgment
3. Decisiveness and ability to discharge judicial duties
promptly.
4. Written and verbal communication skills.
5. Authority, with the ability to command respect and
expeditious disposal of the cases presented before.
10. 6. Capacity and willingness to sustain hard work.
7. Management skills, including case management
skills.
8. Acknowledge the need to undertake both formal and
informal judicial education.
11. Personal qualities
1. Integrity, good character and reputation.
2. Fairness
3. Independence and impartiality.
4. Mature and sound temperament
5. Courtesy and humanity
6. Social awareness, including gender, ethnic and
cultural awareness.
