publications_unodc_commentary-e

6.7 A judge shall not engage in conduct incompatible with thediligent discharge of judicial duties.CommentaryFair and equitable distribution of work in court216. A judge who is responsible for the distribution of cases should not beinfluenced by the wishes of any party to a case or any person concerned with theresult of the case. Such distribution may, for instance, be made by drawing lots oraccording to alphabetical order or some similar system. Alternatively, a presidingjudge who distributes judicial work should do so in consultation with colleagues andperform the task with integrity and fairness. Where necessary, arrangements may bemade to recognize the specific needs and situations of individual judges but, as far aspossible, the allocation and distribution of work to each member of the court shouldbe equal, both quantitatively and qualitatively, and should be known by all judges.Withdrawal of a case from a judge217. A case should not be withdrawn from a particular judge without validreasons, such as serious illness or conflict of interest. Any such reasons and theprocedures for such withdrawal should be provided for by law or rules of court, andmay not be influenced by any interest or representation of the executive or any otherexternal power but only so as to secure the performance of the judicial function inaccordance with law and in conformity with international human rights norms.Unprofessional conduct of another judge or lawyer218. A judge should initiate appropriate action when the judge becomes awareof reliable evidence indicating the likelihood of unprofessional conduct by anotherjudge or lawyer. Appropriate action may include direct communication with thejudge or lawyer who is alleged to have committed the violation, other direct action ifavailable, and reporting the violation to the appropriate authorities.Misuse of court staff219. The inappropriate use of court staff or facilities is an abuse of judicialauthority that places the employee in an extremely difficult situation. Court staffshould not be directed to perform inappropriate and excessive personal services for ajudge beyond minor matters that conform with established conventions.142