Rule 51:2.16 Cooperation with Disciplinary Authorities

Judges must fully cooperate with agencies that investigate judges and lawyers for misconduct. This means being honest and open when these agencies ask questions or look into a complaint. A judge can't dodge questions, hide information, or mislead investigators.

Judges also can't punish or get back at anyone who helps with or cooperates in an investigation of a judge or lawyer. This protection applies whether the judge retaliates directly or finds an indirect way to cause harm. It also covers people the judge merely suspects of helping with an investigation, not just those known to have helped.

This rule exists to keep the disciplinary system honest and working properly. If judges could stonewall investigators or punish witnesses, it would scare people away from reporting real misconduct. The rule makes sure judges are held to the same standards of honesty and fair play that the disciplinary system is meant to enforce on others.