CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT (CJC)
                                     PREAMBLE


[1]  An independent, fair and impartial judiciary is indispensable to our
     system of justice. The United States legal system is based upon the
     principle that an independent, impartial, and competent judiciary, composed
     of men and women of integrity, will interpret and apply the law that
     governs our society. Thus, the judiciary plays a central role in preserving
     the principles of justice and the rule of law. Inherent in all the Rules
     contained in this Code are the precepts that judges, individually and
     collectively, must respect and honor the judicial office as a public trust
     and strive to maintain and enhance confidence in the legal system.

[2]  Judges should maintain the dignity of judicial office at all times, and
     avoid both impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in their
     professional and personal lives. They should aspire at all times to conduct
     that ensures the greatest possible public confidence in their independence,
     impartiality, integrity, and competence.

[3]  The Washington State Code of Judicial Conduct establishes standards for
     the ethical conduct of judges and judicial candidates. It is not intended
     as an exhaustive guide. The Code is intended, however, to provide guidance
     and assist judges in maintaining the highest standards of judicial and
     personal conduct, and to provide a basis for regulating their conduct
     through the Commission on Judicial Conduct.


[Adopted September 9, 2010; effective January 1, 2011]