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A
fair and independent court system is essential to
the administration of justice in a democratic society.
Proper conduct by court employees inspires public
confidence and trust in the courts, and conveys the
values of impartiality, equity, and fairness that
bring integrity to the court's work. To advance these
values and to achieve justice we believe certain moral
principles should govern all that we do. We therefore
commit ourselves to:
Tenet One Provide impartial and evenhanded treatment of all
persons;
Tenet Two Demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity,
honesty, and truthfulness in all our professional
and personal dealings, avoiding the misuse of court
time, equipment, supplies, or facilities for personal
business;
Tenet Three Behave toward all persons with respect, courtesy,
and responsiveness, acting always to promote public
esteem in the court system;
Tenet Four Safeguard confidential information, both written
and oral, unless disclosure is authorized by the
court, refusing ever to use such information for
personal advantage, and abstain at all times from
public comment about pending court proceedings,
except for strictly procedural matters;
Tenet Five Refrain from any actual impropriety, such
as:
- breaking the law,
- soliciting funds
on the job,
- receiving gifts
or favors related to court employment,
- accepting outside
employment that conflicts with the court's duties,
or
- recommending private
legal service providers;
Tenet Six Avoid any appearance of impropriety that
might diminish the honor and dignity of the court;
Tenet Seven Serve the citizens of California by providing procedural
assistance that is as helpful as possible without
giving legal advice;
Tenet Eight Furnish accurate information as requested in a competent,
cooperative, and timely manner;
Tenet Nine Improve personal work skills and performance through
continuing professional education and development;
Tenet Ten Guard against and, when necessary, repudiate any
act of discrimination or bias based on race, gender,
age, religion, national origin, language, appearance,
or sexual orientation;
Tenet Eleven Renounce any use of positional or personal power
to harass another person sexually or in any other
way based on that person's religious beliefs, political
affiliation, age, national origin, language, appearance,
or other personal choices and characteristics; and
Tenet Twelve Protect the technological property of the court
by preserving the confidentiality of electronically
stored information and abstain from personal use
of court computer systems and hardware.
A code of ethics cannot
possibly anticipate every moral dilemma and ethical
choice that may arise in the execution of one's day-to-day
professional responsibilities. Personal discretion
in the interpretation of this Code of Ethics is both
necessary and desirable. We who believe in it will
continue to try to cultivate within ourselves the
moral sensibilities that will inform and enliven our
consciences and make us true servants of justice.
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