Rule 2.16 Cooperation with Disciplinary Authorities

Judges are expected to work honestly with the agencies that investigate judges and lawyers for misconduct. If a disciplinary agency asks a judge questions or requests information, the judge must answer truthfully and openly, without hiding facts or being difficult to work with.

Judges also cannot punish or get back at anyone who helps with an investigation into a judge or lawyer's conduct. This protection applies whether the judge knows for certain that someone helped, or just suspects they did. The point is to make sure people feel safe coming forward with information, without fear that a judge might target them later for speaking up.