PREAMBLE
[1] An independent, fair, and impartial judiciary is indispensable to our system of justice. The Vermont legal system is based upon the principle that an independent, impartial, and competent judiciary, composed of persons of integrity, will interpret and apply the law that governs our society. Thus, the judiciary plays a central role in preserving the principles of justice and the rule of law. Inherent in all the Rules contained in this Code are the precepts that judges, individually and collectively, must respect and honor the judicial office as a public trust and strive to maintain and enhance confidence in the legal system.
[2] Judges should maintain the dignity of judicial office at all times and avoid both impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in their professional and personal lives. They should aspire at all times to conduct that ensures the greatest possible public confidence in their independence, impartiality, integrity, and competence.
[3] The Vermont Code of Judicial Conduct establishes standards for the ethical conduct of judges and judicial candidates. It is not intended as an exhaustive guide for the conduct of judges and judicial candidates, who are governed in their judicial and personal conduct by general ethical standards as well as by the Code. The Code is intended, however, to provide guidance and assist judges in maintaining the highest standards of judicial and personal conduct, and to provide a basis for regulating their conduct through disciplinary agencies.
Reporter's Notes
The Preamble is taken from ABA Code 2007 with minor verbal changes making clear the application of the Code to Vermont. It now describes the general purpose and rationale of the Code. Paragraphs - of the Preamble to Vermont Code 1994 have been moved to a new "Scope" section paralleling the format of the Vermont Rules of Professional Conduct. Paragraph of the new Preamble emphasizes that judges should avoid both impropriety and its appearance and should aspire to ensure the greatest possible public confidence in their independence, integrity, impartiality, and competence. Paragraph carries forward paragraph of the former Preamble. See ABA Reporter's Explanation 75.