Rule 1.1 Compliance with the Law

Judges have to follow the law, plain and simple. This includes regular laws that apply to everyone, as well as the special set of rules judges must follow because of their job, called the Code of Judicial Conduct.

This rule exists because judges are supposed to uphold the law, so they need to actually follow it themselves. A judge cannot pick and choose which laws apply to them just because they hold a powerful position. If a judge breaks the law or violates the conduct rules, they can face consequences just like anyone else who violates rules meant to guide their profession.

In short, this rule sets the baseline expectation that judges are not above the law. They must act lawfully in their work and in their personal conduct, because trust in the court system depends on judges following the same rules they are meant to enforce.