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Okla. Code Jud. Conduct 2.5

Not legal advice. Verify against official sources before relying on this text in any legal matter.

Rule 2.5 Competence, Diligence, and Cooperation

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Rule Text

(A) A judge shall perform judicial and administrative duties competently and diligently.

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

Amendment history: Approved by order of the Supreme Court, 2010 OK 90 , effective April 15, 2011.

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 are expected to do their jobs well and stay on top of their work. This means they need to know the law, understand court procedures, and handle cases without unnecessary delays. A judge who is competent and diligent keeps things moving so people aren't stuck waiting for rulings or decisions for too long.

Judges also need to work well with others in the court system. Courts run on teamwork between judges, clerks, and other staff. When a judge cooperates with colleagues and court officials, it helps cases move through the system smoothly and keeps the whole court running efficiently.

For people involved in a case, this rule matters because it means judges are supposed to be prepared, knowledgeable, and timely in handling matters. It also means the judge should be working with the rest of the court system, not against it, so your case doesn't get stuck due to poor communication or lack of cooperation among court staff.

Committee Notes

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

[2] A judge should seek the necessary docket time, court staff, expertise, and resources to discharge all adjudicative and administrative responsibilities.

[3] Prompt disposition of the court's business requires a judge to devote adequate time to judicial duties, to be punctual in attending court and expeditious in determining 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] 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, avoidable delays, and unnecessary costs.

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