1
A judge shall be chosen for knowledge, integrity, patience, independence from bribery, and capacity to hear both the powerful and the poor.
2
No one shall judge his own cause.
3
The judge shall identify jurisdiction, parties, claim, defense, burden of proof, admissible testimony, and the remedy requested.
4
Both sides shall receive a meaningful opportunity to be heard. Secret accusation alone is insufficient for final judgment where the nature of the matter permits confrontation and proof.
5
Oaths may confirm testimony where law permits, but an oath does not transform impossibility into fact.
6
Witnesses shall testify to what they know, not rumor disguised as knowledge.
7
False testimony is itself an offense and may require restitution where it caused loss.
8
Peaceful settlement is favored when voluntary and lawful. The judge shall not force settlement merely to avoid deciding a difficult case.
9
Judgment shall be recorded when the seriousness of the matter requires durable proof.
10
A judge who accepts a bribe, deliberately denies a party a hearing, or knowingly decides contrary to established proof violates the office.