Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam Practice Question
A local official directs a judge to accelerate an ongoing proceeding, hinting that continued community funding depends on cooperating. Which solution would be the best way for the judge to uphold independence and impartiality?
Hold the local official in contempt
Agree to adjust the schedule in response to the official’s request
Decline to change the proceeding timeline due to outside pressure and conduct the matter as originally planned
Publicly announce compliance with the local official’s direction to secure funding
Declining external demands preserves independence and demonstrates that the judge’s decisions arise from the law rather than outside influence. Changing the schedule to accommodate an external request opens the door to undue influence. Publicly declaring compliance creates the appearance of subservience to non-judicial concerns.
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