Judicial Ethics, Anti-Corruption Standards, and Conflict of Interest
Ethical standards
Judicial ethics require independence, impartiality, integrity, equality, confidentiality and dignified conduct. A judge must avoid not only actual bias but also the appearance of bias. Anti-corruption law requires asset declarations, prevention of illicit enrichment and management of conflicts of interest. Gifts and benefits that could influence judgment must be refused or disclosed.
Conflict of interest
- Identify any personal, family, financial or professional interest.
- Assess whether it could affect impartiality or appear to do so.
- Disclose and recuse where required.
- Record the disclosure and do not sit in the case.
Worked example
A judge's cousin is the director of a party in a civil case. The judge says they are not close. Even so, the relationship may create an appearance of partiality and a statutory conflict. The safe and ethical course is to disclose the relationship and recuse. Sitting without disclosure risks reversal, discipline and reputational harm.
Traps
A subjective belief in honesty does not resolve an objective conflict. Indirect interests through relatives and companies count. Small gifts can still breach standards. Confidentiality continues after retirement. Anti-corruption compliance is not limited to criminal conduct.