Home Table of Contents

RULE 18-102.15. RESPONDING TO JUDICIAL AND ATTORNEY MISCONDUCT (ABA RULE 2.15)

West's Annotated Code of MarylandMaryland Rules

West's Annotated Code of Maryland
Maryland Rules
Title 18. Judges and Judicial Appointees
Chapter 100. Maryland Code of Judicial Conduct
Rules Governing the Performance of Judicial Duties [Rules 18-102.1 to 18-102.16]
MD Rules Judges, Rule 18-102.15
RULE 18-102.15. RESPONDING TO JUDICIAL AND ATTORNEY MISCONDUCT (ABA RULE 2.15)
(a) A judge shall take or initiate appropriate corrective measures with respect to the unprofessional conduct of another judge or an attorney.
(b) If other corrective measures are not appropriate or, if attempted, were not successful, a judge shall inform the Commission on Judicial Disabilities of facts known to that judge that raise a substantial question as to another judge's fitness for office.
(c) If other corrective measures are not appropriate or, if attempted, were not successful, a judge shall inform the Attorney Grievance Commission of facts known to the judge that raise a substantial question as to an attorney's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as an attorney in other respects.
(d) Acts of a judge required or permitted by sections (a), (b), and (c) of this Rule shall be absolutely privileged.
COMMENT
[1] Permitting a judge to take “corrective” measures gives the judge a wide range of options to deal with unprofessional conduct. Appropriate corrective measures may include direct communication with the judge or attorney who is believed to have committed the violation or other direct action if available. There may be instances of professional misconduct that would warrant a private admonition or referral to a bar association counseling service.
Source: This Rule is derived from former Rule 2.15 of Rule 16-813 (2016).

Credits

[Adopted June 6, 2016, eff. July 1, 2016.]
MD Judges, Rule 18-102.15, MD R JUDGES Rule 18-102.15
Current with amendments received through February 1, 2024. Some sections may be more current, see credits for details.
End of Document