An independent and honorable judiciary is indispensable to justice in our society

Code of Conduct for United States Judges

The Code of Conduct for United States Judges includes the ethical canons that apply to federal judges and provides guidance on their performance of official duties and engagement in a variety of outside activities.

Introduction
Canon 1: A Judge Should Uphold the Integrity and Independence of the Judiciary
Canon 2: A Judge Should Avoid Impropriety and the Appearance of Impropriety in All Activities
Canon 3: A Judge Should Perform the Duties of the Office Fairly, Impartially and Diligently
Canon 4: A Judge May Engage in Extrajudicial Activities That are Consistent With the Obligations of Judicial Office
Canon 5: A Judge Should Refrain From Political Activity
Compliance with the Code of Conduct
Applicable Date of Compliance

Just a Thought

It is vital to prepare yourself before you enter the Courtroom DoorsThere a legal "biases" in our courts. However, if you are aware of them you will have a better chance defending yourself."KNOWLEDGE is Power"

Judge Leonard Edwards wrote an article for the Judges Page on the National CASA website where he says that judges need to stop rubber stamping these cases and enforce the "Reasonable Efforts"  requirement, but they are afraid a "No Reasonable Efforts" ruling could cost their state millions of dollars.  There is also at least one Judges Bench Book (California) that is referred to as "The Smoking Gun" >>>  because it very clearly states that the courts MUST rule during the initial  hearing (after removal) that it is contrary to the best interest of the child to be returned home, otherwise the state is NEVER eligible for federal funding.   You can see it for yourself at:  on  pages 2, 3 and 13.

To Index

Introductory Reading

• Reasonable Efforts Judges View

• Blinking On The Bench is a law paper that questions whether Judges use intuition and/or deliberation to decide their cases. (Original Location:http://abajournal.com/files/Blinking_on_the_Bench.pdf )

• Navigating Custody & Visitation Evaluations in Cases with Domestic Violence: A Judge's Guide: This PDF document was developed under grant number SJI-03-N103 from the State Justice Institute. The points of view expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the State Justice Institute. (Comment on this Guide: A Mixed & Dangerous Tool(Source:http://www.thelizlibrary.org/liz/dangerous-tool.html  Document File))

• Related Reading: Standards of Practice for Attorneys Representing Parents in Abuse and Neglect Cases - ABA- 2006 (Download pdf) This document out lines the many responsibilities of what lawyers are supposed to do when working with their client. May want to download and review this to document what your lawyer actually does, in your particular experiences. Sections include: 1) Summary of the Standards; 2) Basic Obligations of Parents' Attorneys; 3) Obligations of Attorney Manager; and 4) Role of the Court.. (Check out other Lawyer Related Information)

What are Judges Bench Books??

Simply put,  the best way to say it would be that Judges Bench Books are the instruction manuals on how a Judge can or should rule and/or preside over a case.   The biggest benefit to providing access to the Bench Books is it gives people a chance to have "inside information" to help them better anticipate what they're facing, and possibly help them defend themselves better.  It also shows/proves any incentive that the Judges may have for ruling a certain way. 

Code of Conduct for United States Federal Judges