[5] Actual irregularities include violations of laws, court rules or provisions of this Code. The test for the appearance of irregularity is whether the conduct, in his or her reasonable mind, would give the impression that the judge has contravened this Code or engaged in any other conduct that interferes with the honesty, impartiality, temperament or fitness of the judge to perform his or her duties. (6) A judge should not speak publicly about a case pending or pending before a court. A judge should require similar deference from court staff who are subject to the direction and control of the judge. The prohibition of public statements on the merits does not extend to public statements in the performance of one`s duties, explanations of judicial proceedings or scientific presentations for legal education purposes. Canon 4. Complete separation of the judge from extrajudicial activities is neither possible nor useful; A judge must not isolate himself from the society in which he lives. As a judicial officer and person specially trained in law, a judge is in a unique position to contribute to the law, the legal system and the administration of justice, including the overhaul of substantive and procedural law and the improvement of criminal and juvenile justice. To the extent that the judge`s time permits and impartiality is not compromised, the judge is encouraged to do so independently or through a law society, judicial conference or other body dedicated to law.
Subject to the same restrictions, judges may also engage in a wide range of activities unrelated to the law. (5) Exercise of right. A judge should not practise as a lawyer and should not represent the interests of a family member in any forum. However, a judge may act pro se and give legal advice without remuneration and prepare or review documents for a family member. Canon 4A(5). A judge may act in all legal matters, including matters relating to litigation and matters relating to appearance before or other relations with government authorities. In doing so, a judge may not abuse the reputation of his office to promote his interests or those of his family. A judge may engage in extrajudicial activities, including law-related activities and civil, charitable, educational, religious, social, financial, fiduciary and governmental activities, and may speak, write, lecture and teach on legal and non-legal matters. However, a judge shall not engage in extrajudicial activities that undermine the dignity of his or her judicial office, interfere with the performance of his or her official duties, impair his or her impartiality, result in frequent challenges or violate the restrictions listed below.
(4) A judge should grant any person having a legal interest in the proceedings and his lawyer the full right to be heard in accordance with the law. Except as set out below, a judge should not initiate, authorize or consider unilateral communications or consider other communications relating to an ongoing or pending case that occur without the presence of the parties or their counsel. When a judge receives an unauthorized unilateral communication on the merits, he or she should immediately inform the parties of the subject matter of the communication and give them an opportunity to make submissions upon request. A judge may: (a)in matters concerning law, the judiciary or the administration of justice; (h) Remuneration, reimbursement and financial reporting. A judge may accept compensation and reimbursement of costs for legal and extrajudicial activities permitted under this Act if the source of the payments does not appear to influence his or her judicial duties or otherwise give the appearance of irregularity, subject to the following restrictions: (1) speaking, writing and teaching. A judge may speak, write, lecture, teach and participate in other activities relating to the law, the legal system and the administration of justice. (f) Government appointments. A judge may accept an appointment to a committee, commission or other government position only if the position relates to the law, legal system or administration of justice, or if the appointment of a judge is required by federal law. Under no circumstances should a judge accept such an appointment if his or her governmental duties undermine public confidence in the integrity, impartiality or independence of the judiciary.
A judge may represent his or her country, state or place on ceremonial occasions or in historical, educational and cultural activities. In accordance with this canon, a judge may encourage lawyers to provide pro bono legal services. The judge must at all times act in a manner that promotes public confidence in the independence, integrity and impartiality of the judiciary and avoids any impropriety and the appearance of impropriety. (3) Organizations. A judge may participate in a not-for-profit organization engaged in law, the legal system or the administration of justice and act as a member, officer, director, trustee or non-legal counsel of that organization and assist that organization in administering and investing funds. A judge can make recommendations to public and private funders on projects and programs related to law, the legal system and the administration of justice.