Rule 2.8 8: Decorum, Demeanor, and Communication with Jurors

This rule covers how a judge should act in the courtroom and how they should treat the people involved in a case. Judges are expected to keep order in the courtroom so proceedings run smoothly and fairly.

Judges also have to be patient, respectful, and courteous to everyone they deal with in their official role. This includes people suing or being sued, jurors, witnesses, lawyers, and court staff. Judges must also make sure that lawyers and court staff under their direction treat people the same way.

Finally, judges cannot praise or criticize a jury for the verdict they reached, except in an official court order or written opinion. This means a judge can't tell a jury after the fact that they made the right or wrong choice. This protects jurors from pressure and keeps the judge's personal opinions separate from the official case record.