Rule 3.3 Impartiality and Fairness

Judges have to treat everyone in their courtroom fairly and equally. This means applying the law the same way to everyone, no matter who they are or what their case is about. A judge can't let personal opinions or bias affect how they handle a case or treat the people involved.

A judge also can't say or do anything that shows bias against someone because of things like their sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, income level, or political views. This rule applies not just to how a judge treats the people in a case, but also to court staff and others who work under the judge's supervision. If a judge sees bias or harassment happening in their courtroom, they have to stop it.

Finally, judges need to watch what they say and do outside of formal rulings too. If a judge makes a comment or takes an action that would make a reasonable person doubt the fairness of a case, that's a problem, even if the case hasn't been decided yet or hasn't started. The goal is to make sure everyone who walks into an Oregon courtroom can trust that they'll get a fair shake, regardless of who they are.