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Haw. Rev. Code Jud. Conduct 2.5

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Rule 2.5 Competence, Diligence, and Cooperation

Canon 2. A Judge Shall Perform the Duties of Judicial Office Impartially, Competently, and Diligently

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Rule Text

(a) A judge shall perform the duties of judicial office competently and diligently.

(b) A judge shall cooperate with other judges and court officials in the administration of court business.

Plain-English Summary (for reference only — not a substitute for the rule text above)

This summary is not the rule. The rule text controls.

Judges need to know the law and handle their cases with skill. This means staying on top of legal knowledge, keeping up with paperwork and deadlines, and making sure cases move forward without unnecessary delays. A judge who lets cases drag on or fails to understand the law they're applying isn't meeting this standard.

Judges also can't work in isolation. They need to work well with other judges and court staff to keep the court system running smoothly. This might mean coordinating schedules, sharing resources, or working together on administrative decisions that affect how the court operates.

For people involved in a court case, this rule matters because it means judges are expected to give their cases proper attention and move things along in a reasonable time. It also means the court system should function efficiently, since judges are required to work together rather than create bottlenecks through poor communication or lack of cooperation with colleagues and staff.

Committee Notes

COMMENT:

[1]Competence in the performance of the duties of judicial office requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and preparation reasonably necessary to perform a judge’s responsibilities of judicial office.

[2]RESERVED.

[3]Prompt disposition of the court’s business requires a judge to devote adequate time to the duties of judicial office, to be punctual in attending court and expeditious indetermining matters under submission, and to take reasonable measures to ensure that court officials, litigants, and their lawyers cooperate with the judge to that end.

[4]In disposing of matters promptly and efficiently, a judge must demonstrate due regard for the rights of parties to be heard and to have issues resolved without unnecessary cost or delay. A judge should monitor and supervise cases in ways that reduce or eliminate dilatory practices and avoidable delays, and unnecessary costs.

← Previous Rule 2.4: External Influences on Judicial Conduct Next → Rule 2.6: Ensuring the Right to Be Heard