Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam Practice Question
Judge Garcia is presiding over a local property dispute. The city council sends a letter indicating that a favorable ruling would benefit the area's tax revenue. The judge is worried that an impartial resolution may strain relationships with local officials. How should the judge proceed to maintain independence and impartiality?
Let all parties know the unsolicited message was received and base the decision on legal and factual matters, without using the letter as a directive
Draft a court order that explains the importance of economic goals and incorporates the city council’s suggestions to maintain civic harmony
Publish the city council’s letter and rely on those economic considerations to demonstrate support for local initiatives
Hold the city council members in contempt for attempting to sway the court inappropriately
A judge's responsibility is to decide cases on the law and the evidence. A private request, even from a respected body, should not undermine a fair evaluation of the record. The judge may acknowledge that an unsolicited communication was received, but it should not be the basis of any part of the ruling. Other options risk allowing outside influences to direct the outcome or entangle the court’s role with external interests.
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