Judicial Service Commission Act, 1994 (Act No. 9 of 1994)RegulationsCode of Judicial Conduct for JudgesArticle 3 : Objects and Interpretation |
| (1) | The object of this Code is to assist every judge in dealing with ethical and professional issues, and to inform the public about the judicial ethos of the Republic. |
(2) This Code must—
| (a) | be applied consistently with the Constitution and the law as embodied in the common law, statute, and precedent, having due regard to the relevant circumstances; |
| (b) | not be interpreted as impinging on the constitutionally guaranteed independence of the judiciary or any judge or on the separation of powers; and |
| (c) | not be interpreted as absolute, precise, or exhaustive. Conduct may therefore be unethical which, on a strict reading of this Code, may appear to be permitted and the converse also applies. |
| (3) | Although international standards and those applied in comparable foreign jurisdictions may not be directly applicable, they do provide a useful source of reference for interpreting, understanding and applying this Code. |
| (4) | Notes to Articles of this Code are for the purpose of elucidation, explanation and guidance with respect to the purpose and meaning of the Articles. |