Rule 2.1. Giving Precedence to the Duties of Judicial Office.
The duties of judicial office, as prescribed by law, shall ordinarily take precedence over a magisterial district judge’s personal and extrajudicial activities.
Comment: (1) Magisterial district judges shall devote the time necessary for the prompt and proper disposition of the business of their office, which shall be given priority over any other occupation, business, profession, pursuit or activity. A magisterial district judge’s personal and extrajudicial activities should be arranged so as not to interfere unreasonably with the diligent discharge of the magisterial district judge’s duties of office. See also Pa.R.J.A. No. 605 (Supervision of Magisterial District Courts by President Judges).
(2) To ensure that magisterial district judges are available to fulfill their judicial duties, magisterial district judges must conduct their personal and extrajudicial activities to minimize the risk of conflicts that would result in frequent disqualification. See Canon 3.
(3) Although it is not a duty of judicial office unless prescribed by law, magisterial district judges are encouraged to participate in activities that promote public understanding of and confidence in the administration of justice.
(4) Magisterial district judges shall not use or permit the use of premises established for the disposition of their magisterial business for any other occupation, business, profession or gainful pursuit.
Source The provisions of this Rule 2.1 amended April 14, 2021, effective immediately, 51 Pa.B. 2261. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (373704).
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