New Mexico Judicial Education Center JEC Home
Court Staff Orientation
Understanding the Court System | Knowing the Rules | Doing the Job | Getting Help
Ethics for Clerks
Knowing the Rules: Ethics for Clerks: Discrimination
Blatant Bias

Principles
1. Impartiality
2. Personal Integrity
3. Professionalism
4. Confidentiality
5. Impropriety
6. Appearance of Impropriety
7. Prohibition Against Giving Legal Advice
8. Duty of Service
9. Competency
10. Discrimination
11. Harassment
12. Technology

Resources
California Code of Ethics
Personnel Rules
What Information Can Court Staff Provide?

Kate, a district court clerk, is working in the front office of the clerk’s office and overhears her coworker Janet at the counter having an exchange with a pro se litigant who appears Native American. The man is having some trouble understanding a form he has been given to complete. Kate observes that Janet is growing increasingly impatient and is giving shorter and shorter answers. Finally the man leaves, and Kate hears Janet mutter under her breath, "Stupid Redskin."

What should Kate do at that point?

1. Ask Janet not to use biased epithets in the office.
2. Talk to Janet’s supervisor about it.
3. Do nothing because it was barely audible.