Judicial Ethics, Canon 6: Competence and Diligence

So now we come to the last of the 6 Canons of Judicial Conduct, the one that talks of competence and diligence.

A judge's duties are to be considered superior to all his other activities. This doesn't only include the actual duties in court, but the those related to the court's operations as well. All their duties, including delivery of reserved decisions must be performed effectively, fairly and with reasonable promptness and cannot engage in conduct that is incompatible with the diligent discharge of their duties (sec. 1-2, 5 & 7.)

A judge is required to maintain and enhance his knowledge of the law and must take advantage of the training opportunities made available to him. In particular, he is required to make himself aware of international law with an emphasis on changes in the trends in human rights (sec. 3-4.)

Proper decorum and order must be maintained by the judge in all proceedings in court. He must be courteous, patient, dignified and attentive to the witnesses, parties, lawyers, his staff and all others he deals with in an official capacity. Furthermore, he is required to demand similar conduct of said people towards those under their influence and control (sec. 6.)