NCJ Number
80533
Date Published
1981
Length
19 pages
Annotation
A model code of judicial conduct for American Indian court judges is presented.
Abstract
This code sets standards of judicial conduct for American Indian court judges. The overall purpose of the code is to encourage a spirit of fairness toward persons brought before Indian courts and to ensure fundamental fairness and due process in Indian court proceedings. The code applies to anyone, whether or not a lawyer, who is an officer of a tribal judicial system and is performing judicial functions. The general requirements of the code are that Indian judges should hold up the integrity and independence of the Indian judiciary; should avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all their activities; should perform the duties of the office impartially and diligently; and may engage in activities to improve the law, the legal system, and the administration of justice. The judges should regulate their extrajudicial activities to minimize the risk of conflict with judicial duties and they should refrain from political activity inappropriate to their judicial office. Aspects of the implementation of each of these standards are discussed. It is expected that tribes will modify some provisions of the code to reflect tribal customs.