Maine Code of Judicial Conduct – 2026

Coverage and Effective Date Preamble Terminology Rule 1 A judge shall uphold and promote the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary; shall avoid impropriety; and should avoid the appearance of impropriety Rule 1.1 Compliance with the Law Rule 1.2 Promotion of Confidence in the Judiciary Rule 1.3 Avoiding Abuse of the Prestige of Judicial Office Rule 2 A judge shall perform the duties of judicial office impartially, competently, and diligently Rule 2.1 Giving Precedence to the Duties of Judicial Office Rule 2.2 Impartiality and Fairness; Upholding the Law Rule 2.3 Bias, Prejudice, and Harassment Rule 2.4 External Influences on Judicial Conduct Rule 2.5 Competence, Diligence, and Cooperation Rule 2.6 Ensuring the Right to Be Heard Rule 2.7 Responsibility to Decide Rule 2.8 Decorum, Demeanor, and Communication with Jurors Rule 2.9 Ex Parte Communications Rule 2.10 Judicial Statements on Pending and Impending Cases Rule 2.11 Disqualification or Recusal Rule 2.12 Supervisory Duties Rule 2.13 Administrative Appointments Rule 2.14 Disability and Impairment Rule 2.15 Disciplinary Responsibilities Rule 2.16 A Judge Shall Comply with Disciplinary Authorities Rule 3 A judge shall conduct the judge’s personal and extrajudicial activities to minimize the risk of conflict with the obligations of judicial office Rule 3.1 Extrajudicial Activities in General Rule 3.2 Governmental, Civic, or Charitable Activities Rule 3.3 Testifying as a Character Witness Rule 3.4 Appointments to Governmental Positions Rule 3.5 Use of Nonpublic Information Rule 3.6 Affiliation with Discriminatory Organizations Rule 3.7 Participation in Educational, Religious, Charitable, Fraternal, or Civic Organizations and Activities Rule 3.8 Fiduciary Activities Rule 3.9 Service as Arbitrator or Mediator Rule 3.10 Practice of Law Rule 3.11 Financial Activities Rule 3.12 Compensation for Extrajudicial Activities Rule 3.13 Acceptance and Reporting of Gifts, Loans, Bequests, Benefits, or Other Things of Value Rule 3.14 Reimbursement of Expenses and Waivers of Fees or Charges Rule 4 A judge or candidate for judicial office shall not engage in political or campaign activity that is inconsistent with the independence, integrity, or impartiality of the judiciary Rule 4.1 Political Conduct of Incumbent Judges and Judicial Candidates in General Rule 4.2 Political Conduct of Candidates for Election as Judge of Probate Rule 4.3 Political Conduct of Candidates Seeking Appointments to Judicial Office Rule 4.4 Campaign Committees Rule 4.5 Activities of Judges Who Become Candidates for Nonjudicial Office Rule 6 A judge shall file annual financial disclosure reports