Rule 2.16 Cooperation with Disciplinary Authorities

This rule requires judges to work honestly with agencies that investigate judges and lawyers for misconduct. If a judge is contacted as part of an investigation, they must tell the truth and not hide information or mislead the people looking into the matter.

The rule also protects people who help with these investigations. A judge cannot punish or get back at someone, either directly or through indirect means, because that person cooperated with an investigation into a judge or lawyer. This protection applies even if the judge only suspects someone helped, not just when they know for certain.

The purpose behind this rule is simple. Investigations into judicial or legal misconduct only work if people feel safe coming forward with information. If judges could punish people for cooperating, witnesses and others would be afraid to speak up, and the whole system for holding judges and lawyers accountable would break down.