Federal Judges Code of Conduct and

Disciplinary Procedure Regulation

Regulation Number 1/2013

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Table of contents

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Preamble

Whereas, the issuance of the federal Code of Judicial Conduct and Disciplinary Rules of
Procedure (“code”) represent an unmistakable strengthening of the judicial institution and is
consistent with the constitution promises that the nation would build a community founded on
the rule of law, that the judiciary would function independently, free from any interference or
influence from any source whatsoever, and that the decisions of the courts would be based only
on an impartial application of the law;

Whereas, the code is intended to serve as an important foundation for the public’s confidence in
the integrity, efficiency and effectiveness of the Federal Courts of Ethiopia and is designed to
promote and sustain excellence in judicial service through the pursuant of identified core values
and implementation of the Ethiopian constitution’s guarantee that every individual in the nation
will receive objectively fair treatment from the Federal Courts uninfluenced by any conflicts of
interest-or even the appearance of a conflict of interest;

Whereas, implementation of the code will both provide due process to judges who are accused of
misconduct and demonstrate that judges are accountable for maintaining a high level of
professionalism, which will promote public confidence in the Federal courts, support excellence
in judicial service and reinforce the constitutional guarantees of fair, impartial treatment of every
person and organization existing within the borders of Ethiopia;

The existing Code of Judicial Ethics and Discipline Code has many gaps to achieve the above
objectives and does not include details and is required to comply with the revised judicial system
law. Now therefore, the Federal Judicial Administration Council, pursuant to the power vested in
it by Article 81(6) of the FDRE Constitution and article 6(1)(f) of proclamation number
684/2002 hereby enacts the Federal Code of judicial Conduct and Disciplinary Rules.

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 Chapter One: General Provisions

Article 1: Adaptation of the code

Pursuant to the powers vested in it by article 81(6) of the FDRE constitution and article 6(1) (f)
of proclamation number 684/2002, the Federal Judicial Administration Council ratified the
Federal Code of Judicial Conduct and Disciplinary Rules as follows, approved by the signature
of the President of the Federal Supreme Court, as shown below.

Article 2: Title

This Regulation may be cited as “the Federal Code of Judicial Conduct and Disciplinary Rules of
Procedure”.

Article 3: Definitions

In these Regulations, the following terms have the meanings listed below unless the context
indicates otherwise:

1) "Asset" means any movable or immovable property which includes land and debt;
2) “Bias” means prejudice in favor of or against a person, group or thing in comparison to
another in a way that is unfair.
3) "Code of Conduct" or "code" means these Regulations.
4) “Conflict of interest” means a situation in which the interests and / or objectives of two
different parties are incompatible, such as when the institutional interests and / or objectives
of the judicial institution and the personal interests and/or objectives of an individual judge
are incompatible. See Article 7 (10) of the Regulations for more information.
5) "Council" means the Federal Judicial Administration Council.
6) "Decency" means the quality of being respectable and conformance with accepted standards
of morality.
7) “Degrading” means causing another person to lose self-respect or to feel humiliated.
8) "Diligence" means careful and persistent work or effort.
9) “Discrimination” means the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of persons
or things.

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10) “Dismissal with prejudice” means that a claim is dismissed, and the complaining person or
institution is prohibited from bringing the same claim on the same facts against the same
accused person in the future.
11) "Rejection of a complaint" means that a judge charged with a violation of the code of
conduct has not been convicted of a felony.
12) "Family" means the spouse of a judge or his/her family at the second degree or any person
residing with her/him for at least 6 month.
13) ” fundraiser" means a person who seeks financial support for charity, enterprise, company,
business, political party, candidate for election or similar efforts.
14) “Good Standing” means the condition of being perceived as having met all obligations,
followed all rules and not deserving of criticism or sanctions.
15) “Harassment” means aggressive pressure or intimidation.
16) “Impartiality” means the duty to decide cases based upon applicable law and facts without
improper influence or interference, or manifestations of bias.
17) "Incapacity" means an inability to perform a specific task or set of tasks, and / or inability to
manage responsibilities.
18) "Incompetency and inefficiency" means judge’s failure to display the knowledge, skill,
mental capacity and/or physical capacity required of a judge when performing judicial
functions such resulting in unacceptable performance.
19) “Independence” means the institutional freedom from improper influence and interference
from any source what so ever, including from political or governmental sources, and the duty
of the judicial institution to act independently, without such influence or interference, as well
as a judge’s obligation to exercise judicial functions with full independence and only
according to law.
20) “Integrity” means the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
21) “Investor” means any person who contributes funds with the expectation of receiving a
financial return.
22) “Judge” means a judge of the Ethiopian federal courts including a president of a court or a
deputy president of a court.
23) “Judicial function” means any and all acts that are related to the performance of judicial
duties.

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24) “Misconduct” means unacceptable or improper behavior as described in these regulations.
25) “Period of limitation” or “time limitation” or “statute of limitations” means a time period
within which or a deadline by which a specific action must be taken.
26) “Person” mean a natural or juridical person.
27) “Personal knowledge” means knowledge gained through first-hand experience or
observation.
28) “Physical capacity” means the ability of a judge to perform manual tasks that are necessary
to the performance of judicial functions. Manual tasks include using the body to lift, lower,
push, pull, carry or hold objects, sit in a chair, stand, walk and so forth.
29) “Prejudice” means a preconceived opinion that is not based on evidence and results in unjust
behavior.
30) “Reasonable” mean a decision or action based on good sense, logic, appropriateness and
fairness.
31) “Right to be heard” means the right to appear before a Disciplinary committee, and/or the
council present evidence and make argument before a recommendation or decision made.
32) “Investigating judge” mean according to this proclamation one or more judges with the
appropriate skills appointed as a full-time investigator(s) for a limited time. Who are
accountable, Prominent in knowledge and experience and able to control their emotions.
They carry out their functions under the auspices of the Commission’s Office Inspection
Department.
33) “Social relationships” means a recurring connection between persons that are perceived to
have meaning, as opposed to incidental connection that is perceived to have limited
significance.
34) “Summary dismissal” means a dismissal of a claim without full proceedings and without
notice to the complainant because it is anonymous, vexatious, Frivolous, misconceived,
lacking in substance or submitted after the period of time limitation has expired.
35) ”Summary Order “means a final order issued pursuant to this regulations after all appeal
right Have been exhausted that reflects only the name of a judge who has been disciplined,
the nature of the sustained act of misconduct And the disciplinary measure imposed on the
judge.

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36) ” presidents” include the presidents of the Federal Supreme Court, High Court and First
Instance Court.

Article 4: Scope of Application

This regulation shall be applicable to all judges of the federal courts.

Article 5: Gender references

Statements expressed in this regulation as referring to the male gender shall also apply to the
female gender and vice versa.

CHAPTER 2: Ethical Principles and Corresponding Duties of Judges

Article 6: independence

1) Judges shall perform their judicial functions independently and without influence or
interference from any source whatsoever.
2) Judges shall not participate in any activity that is likely to interfere with their judicial
functions or that may affect confidence in their independence or that may reduce respect for
their judicial office.
3) Judges shall not hold membership in any political party while in active judicial service and
shall not participate in any political parties Socio economic reinforcement programs. Judges
shall not deliver a speech that represents the interests of a particular political party or any
other organization that advocates discriminatory or biased points of view. Judges shall not
campaign for election to a political office

Article 7: Impartiality

1) Judges shall exercise their judicial functions impartially and also ensure that their judicial
actions reflect an appearance of impartiality.

2) Judges shall respect the rights of every party equally and fairly.

3) Judges shall not establish or maintain an economic or social interest that would harm the
judicial institution or their judicial service, including interests that made reflect poorly on
their credibility, affect their dignity or raise questions about their impartiality. Judges shall
not engage themselves in any transaction or trade system that may harm the judicial

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 institution or would affect their judicial service, Affect their credibility, degrade their dignity
or raise questions about their impartiality.

4) Judges shall have the ability to be an investor or to possess assets, but they shall not work as
a director, administrator, consultant, trustee or employee in such relationships.

5) Judges shall not work as a liaison, administrator, trustee or guardian for another person,
except a judge shall be permitted to be a guardian for a family member. Unless they are
directly related by blood or third level to the side flesh relatives and marriage relatives,
judges cannot be an agent for anyone.

6) Judges shall not advise anyone on legal, investment or other business-related dealings that
may put their independence, impartiality, or honesty in question.

7) Judges may engage in philanthropic activities provided that such participation doesn’t have a
negative impact on the judicial institution or their judicial service, undermining their
credibility, degrade their dignity or question their impartiality. Judges shall not participate in
such services as a director, manager, consultant, fundraiser, or in any another role that night
create the appearance of a conflict of interest.

8) Judges shall not be a member of an association that was established on the basis of ethnicity,
language, cultural, religious, gender, age, and family, social, economic or political status for
the purposes of discrimination or to promote prejudice on any grounds.

9) Judges shall avoid any conflict of interest and any situation that might reasonably be
perceived as giving the appearance of a conflict of interest.

10) Judges shall disqualify themselves from a case under the following circumstances on conflict
of interest grounds:

a.When they have personal bias or prejudice against a party or if some personal
relationship or other reason would cause them to favor a party;

b. When they have a medical, business or social relationship with any participant in
the legal proceedings;

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 c.When they have prior personal knowledge of the facts and evidence of legal
proceeding;

d. When in private practice they served as a lawyer in the matter in controversy or

they have been a material witness concerning the matter in controversy;

e.If they have participated as an adviser, legal counsel or material witness at the
government office they previously served at, in particular, concerning the ongoing
preceding or expressed an opinion regarding the merits of the particular case in
controversy;

f. If a judge or his/her spouse or their children are involved in the case or are known to be
a financial beneficiary or could have another benefit or interest that could be affected
by the outcome of the preceding. Judges shall have up-to-date knowledge about their
personal financial interests and assets, and make a reasonable effort to inform
themselves about the personal financial interests of their spouses and children;

g. The judge or his/her spouse or a person within the second-degree of relationship

to either of them, or the spouse of such a person; (i) is a party to the proceeding or is an
manager, director or trustees of a party; (ii) is acting as a lawyer in the proceeding; or,
(iii) is known by the judge to have an interest that could be affected by the outcome of
the proceeding; or, is, to the judge’s presumption or knowledge likely to be a material
witness in the proceeding;

11) After carefully examining the grounds for a party’s request that they withdraw from a case on
conflict of interest grounds, judges may withdraw from the case or, after ascertaining that
there exists no ground for their withdrawal, continue to see the case.

12) An application for removal of judges due to conflict of interest must be made in accordance
with Article 33 of the Federal Courts Proclamation. However oral opposition for the removal
of judges made suddenly in litigation does not need to be in writing but the reasons for the
opposition and the decision should be recorded in writing. Judges render decision for conflict
of interest opposition by assessing the cause of the conflict, the type and nature of the
conflict or the degree and severity of the conflict and the ability of the judge to adjudicate the
case without impartiality.

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13) On the other hand; the fact that a judge has a social media, close personal or business
relationship with one of the parties to the litigation are one of the legal and valid opposition
that may be raised as a result of a conflict of interest.

14) In addition to excluding themselves from real conflicts of interest, judges need to make it
clear to the parties that what appears to be a conflict of interest does not result in a conflict of
interest and does not affect their ability to judge fairly. However, if the apparent conflict of
interest cannot be resolved, the judges must remove themselves from the underlying issue,
just as they do in opposition to real conflicts of interest.

15) When judges seek professional advice in matters that are not decided by them yet, they do
not consult with anyone but their colleagues who are judges. Except in the circumstances
permitted by law the judges may not exchange views or hold a meeting with only one party
or with the representative or other attorney or other party involved in the case in the absence
of all parties.

16) Judges do not publicly criticize or support government policies and laws passed by the
House of Representatives or the government except in rendering judgment or training
discussions.

17) Judges do not criticize or despise the idea of fellow judges when they are alone or in public
or in the presence of other judges, unless there is a difference of opinion based on respect in
the proceedings.

Article 8: Integrity

1) Judges discharge their judicial functions in accordance with the standards required by the
Judiciary and the Code of Conduct with strong moral principles, credibility and integrity. In
addition to acts of dishonesty set forth in this Code fraud, falsification of documents, perjury,
illegal trade, unethical, immoral, and known acts are also included under dishonesty.
2) Judges without any sufficient reason shall neither ask nor accept any gift, loan, benefit,
special benefit or any other reward that may directly or indirectly influence their function as
a judge.
3) Judges shall not use their judicial authority as a means of enriching themselves or ensuring
that another third party receives an undue or unjustified advantage.

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4) Judges shall not use or allow the use of state property by a third party for unauthorized
purposes.
5) Judges may seek permission from the president of the court they serve to receive payments if
it is perceived that the judge’s act of receiving money or any other income in relation with
his teaching service at educational institutions will neither affect the function nor the dignity
of the judiciary.
6) Judges shall protect, serve and treat other judges, litigants, lawyers, persons involved in
litigation, court sponsors and others with due respect and dignity.
7) Judges shall not make any distinctions between people based on their ethnicity, language,
culture, religion, sex, age, social interaction, disability, economics, or political status.
8) Judges shall not in any way use their judicial authority inappropriately.
9) Judges shall not engage themselves in any kind of harassment including sexual harassment,
intimidation, and physical violence. For example, judges in their judicial function with
litigants, lawyers and court sponsors, shall not engage or attempt to engage in any kind of
activity that may lead or push to sexual activity.
10) Judges relationship with other judges shall always be grounded on professional partnerships
and fellowship.
11) Judges shall always protect the name and reputation of Ethiopian federal courts.
12) Judges shall not be drink excessive alcohol or be users of illegal drugs or be seen in their
workplace being under the influence of alcohol or any other illegal drugs. Judges shall not
chew kchat in their workplace.
13) Judges shall report violations of the code of conduct by another judge to the president of the
court or to the Judicial Administration Council when the violator is the president.
14) As seen in the Judge's Administrative Council Act, in cases where prior permission have not
been given ,any judge who is charged with or arrested for a criminal offence except in cases
where caught red handed shall within 24hrs of his/her knowing of the charge or arrest inform
the president of the court, if the arrest or charge was made against the president he/she shall
inform the vice president and in cases where the charge or arrest has been made against both
the president and vice president, they should inform the judges administration council. The
serious or simple breach of the code of ethics by a judge shall be a basis for a disciplinary
action that is proportional to it.

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Article 9: confidentiality

1) Judges must uphold their obligation to protect the confidentiality of their judicial work,
including the arguments they use to decide cases and the secrets they have learned during
their careers.
2) Judges have a duty to keep confidentiality any conversations, arguments, and
recommendations they have had with other judges about a case.
3) For self-interest or any other motive, judges do not deliberately or negligently disclose
confidential information to others.

Article 10: Diligence

1) Judges have a duty to diligently fulfill their judicial duties at the level required by the
judiciary, including meeting standards for implementation, respecting employment policies,
and complying with the employment guidelines set by the presidents of the Federal Judicial
Administration Council and/or the courts where they work. It is also obligated to apply the
instructions of a call-up judge to facilitate the judiciary's work in accordance with the rules
and guidelines set by the Federal Judicial Administration Conference.
2) Notwithstanding sub-1 of this article, judges do not act in a way that interferes with or affects
the judicial process, even if such acts are directed at them by their bosses or from another
body.
3) Judges must be punctual in their work and set an example for others in this regard. Judges
must inform or take leave from their nearest deputies when they are late, in or out of business
hours. Or if they want to do certain judicial work elsewhere, or in such cases, they must first
disclose or obtain permission from their closest deputies. Judges cannot be absent from their
post without leave, and in case of an emergency, they should inform their closest deputies
about the issue as soon as possible with good cause.
4) Judges shall be aware of, protect, and be involved in acts to improve the measures taken by
the presidents of the courts in which judges work (even at the direction of the council) to
improve and develop their personal characteristics. They shall also be involved in
standardized training offered by the courts in which they operate, as not being involved in
scheduled training is considered a violation of the code of conduct.

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5) When judges are on duty, they have a duty to wear work clothes that are appropriate for the
judiciary, accepted by the majority, and maintain their rank. They also have a duty to
properly maintain their personal hygiene. Judges must wear coats when they are in court. The
details shall be implemented according to the judges’ protocol and code of conduct.
6) Judges shall examine each case assigned to them thoroughly and without undue delay, they
shall make an effective and expeditious decision in accordance with the requirements and
timeframes of the case management guidelines. Judges shall not show gross negligence in the
performance of their duties.
When presiding over proceedings and handling cases, judges shall perform their duties in an
orderly and organized manner, so as to avoid inconvenience to the majority of clients,
lawyers and parties summoned. Unless the interest of justice requires otherwise, judges must
set a date and time for hearing cases; when this is not possible, the judges shall conduct
session by starting from calling cases that are likely do not take much time and then move on
to the more time consuming cases.
Unless otherwise specified in the constantly amending Case Management Guideline or the
interest of justice doesn’t require otherwise; judges shall when handling cases, proceed in the
following order
a. Adjournment of cases that a judge is unable investigate cases due to lack of time or
other circumstances on that day
b. Through the Registrar's Office, receiving unsolicited responses and receiving
appointment requests;
c. Pre-hearing of prior judgments, decisions, decrees and orders
d. Hearing the charges and witnesses.

7) Judges when performing their judicial duties, shall select the appropriate procedural law
carefully and with due diligence will conduct the proceedings. Ignorance of the law of
procedure cannot be a defense against a disciplinary complaint instituted against a judge.
8) Judges to make a decision shall carefully and with due diligence choose the basic (main)
substantive laws that are relevant and applicable to the case. A judge charged with a violation
of the Code of Conduct cannot bring his ignorance of substantive laws as a defense.

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9) Judges when conducting a trial, shall carefully and with due diligence identify facts
appropriate for the determination of the case. In this regard, the judge is found to be in breach
of the Code of Conduct if he fails to use all the evidence that was accepted during trial
without sufficient and valid reason.
10) Judges shall give analysis of the decision in a manner that shows the connection of relevant
facts of the case with the relevant law, giving a convincing decision reflecting the outcome
and fairness of the process.
11) When judges pass punishment on a person convicted of a crime, judges shall not act without
examining the nature, commission of the crime and circumstances of the commission of the
crime and shall impose a sentence that is consistent with the sentencing principles and
applicable law in consideration of those factors.
12) At hearings where more than one judge presides over a case, a judge or Judges may take a
different position than the majority, but they must state their position on the basis of logical
and realistic reasons for disagreeing with each other without criticizing the other judges
personally. Judges should respect their colleagues and perform their duties in a harmonious,
cooperative, and respectful way with their colleagues.
13) Judges should always perform their duties in a manner that ensures the effectiveness of the
Ethiopian federal courts. Unless for a medical condition that prevents from working in an
assigned area or other compelling family problems, a judge shall not object to a transfer to
another post within the federal judicial institution, meaning a transfer to another court in
Addis Ababa or Dire Dawa or to delegated regions in accordance with Article 78 (2) in the
future or to federal courts of the same rank organized by the regions as per Proclamation
322/95, or to another bench within the same court where the judge is currently serving.
14) Judges must ensure that the support-staff perform their duties in a fair and ethical manner,
respect the rights of others, and perform their duties without prejudice or injustice
Judges, in accordance with their procedure, must submit investigations and other records of
the case the day before the appointment, A judge shall take appropriate steps to correct the
misconduct or poor performance of court support staff members who intentionally or by
gross negligence do not provide to the judge in advance of scheduled court proceedings all of
the cases files necessary to complete the scheduled session, thereby causing the cases for
which there are missing files to be unnecessary adjourned

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15) Judges shall not engage in acts that are prohibited by the Federal Code of Conduct using
social media. “Use of social media” means judges writing comments and Or posting images
or videos or judges liking comments or images or videos or Sharing other peoples post of
same messages with others. He will not be held liable if he claims to have made a mistake.

Article 11: hearing ceremony

1) In conducting judicial proceeding, judges shall maintain order, act in accordance with
accepted judicial decorum, remain attentive, patient, dignified, respectful and courteous
towards others, humble towards clients and respect other members of the community that
oversees the trial, serve with sincerity and humility. They shall encourage others to do the
same
2) Judges shall exercise vigilance in controlling the manner of questioning of witnesses or
victims and shall give special attention to the rights and interest of all participants in the
proceedings in accordance with this regulation.
3) Judges shall exercise particular vigilance in relation to respect for vulnerable witnesses,
including children and victims of sexual harassment and rape
4) Judges should ensure all parties in litigation refrains from insulting, humiliating or
derogatory demands.
5) Judges shall resolve all objections made during proceedings and record the objections made
for the purposes of appeal, therefore upholding the fairness of parties being heard.
6) Unless it has been decided for a case to be seen in a closed trial, judges shall not prohibit or
restrict journalists from attending public proceedings. Similarly, judges shall not hinder
members and representatives of human right organizations or similar groups from taking part
in public proceedings. In cases in which a large number of journalists are attending the trial,
and the courtroom is not big enough to accommodate the journalists as well as the parties,
lawyers, family members of the parties, and members of the general public, judges shall
permit a reasonable number of journalists(not including camera operators) from different
types of media(e.g. Print and electronic news media for various news media organization) on
a first come, first served basis with due respect for representation by different types of media.

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7) Judges shall not conduct proceedings in their offices unless in exceptional circumstances,
such as the unavailability of courtrooms. However, in cases where it becomes necessary to
conduct proceedings in an office shared by two or more judges, only one proceeding shall be
conducted at a time to avoid any disturbances or distractions.

Article 12: Right to freedom of expression and association.

1) Judges may exercise their right to freedom of expression and association in a manner that
does not infringe on their independence and impartiality of the judiciary. However, judges
are obliged to comply with the requirements set out in Article 37 of the Amended Judicial
Council Proclamation.
2) Judges have the right to participate in public forums, meetings, and educational seminars,
including academic publications on legal matters, debates on judicial or administrative
matters. However, they do not comment on unresolved issues, they have a duty to ensure that
their comments do not degrade the views of another judge or court official, and that they
refrain from commenting on the reputation and integrity of Ethiopian federal courts.
3) When exercising their right to freedom of expression, judges should refrain from making
statements or comments that discredit the Ethiopian Federal Courts or raise serious doubts
about their impartiality.
4) Judges must ask and obtain written permission from the President of the Court in which he /
she works before making any statement to the Ethiopian Federal Courts and related media
outlets. With the permission of the President, the judges can comment to the media:
However, they cannot criticize any court decision; Apart from the explicit discrepancies in
the decision-making process, they do not address any differences arising from preexisting
legal disputes regarding an issue; they do not take sides in court cases and must adhere to the
principles of the judiciary.
5) A judge acting on behalf of the Judges association shall not be required to seek the consent of
the President of the Court in which he is acting; Provided, however, that it shall comply with
the other conditions set forth in sub-article 4 of this Article.

Article 13: Other duties of judges.

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1) Judges' actions that are not related to the work of the federal courts in Ethiopia should be
consistent with their judicial functions and should not impede the court's functioning in a
timely and efficient manner.
2) Judges may receive high honors and awards only if they do not cast doubt on their
independence and impartiality. Judges must obtain the approval of the President of the court
in which they serve before receiving any high-profile recognition and / or award. This
permission must be given in writing

Article 14 rules of interpretation

No provision of this regulation shall be interpreted to restrict or determine the independence of a

judge.

Chapter 3: Judicial Incompetence, Ineffectiveness and Disciplinary Breach

Article 15 Incompetence and ineffectiveness

1) Judges may be dismissed from their position on grounds of physical and psychological
preparedness required by the position, and when professional training given to improve their
capacity has failed or would likely fail, and when their knowledge, skill and
physical/psychological health falls below the standard levels required to be bestowed to a
given judge.
2) This provision shall not be applied to judges with disabilities who are discharging their
judicial functions properly.
3) Judges may be dismissed from their judicial positions, despite having completed professional
trainings to improve their capacities, their performance is consistently below the standard
required to be fulfilled by a judge.
4) Judges may permanently or temporarily resign from the position they are assuming if they
are to suffer permanent and/or temporary illness based on the judges’ licensing written
directives put through by the conference.
5) Given that’s the case and if disciplinary complaints are filed on them repeatedly on similar
cases, if they don’t have records of weak performance that are unrelated to prior health
problems, and/or if they are not deemed permanently unqualified or unable to carry out their

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 tasks on the due medical review, their permanent and/or temporary resignation request will
not be put through.
6) Judge who is subject to an incompetency inquiry based on persistent poor performance
grounds shall be evaluated using objective performance standards that are applied to all
similarly situated judges.
7) Judges charged with violating the Code of Conduct due to incompetence or ineffectiveness
have the same rights as judges charged with other matters based on the code of conduct.

Article 16: Serious Violation of the Code of Conduct

Serious violations of the Code of Conduct are acts that are incompatible with official functions
of the Judiciary and are likely to cause serious harm to the proper administration of justice in the
Ethiopian Federal Courts or to the internal functioning of the courts, as specified in Appendix
"A", including the following:
1) Breaching duty of confidentiality of facts or information known acquired in the course of
judicial duties on a matter that is under consideration by the court and when such disclosure
is prejudicial to the judicial proceedings or to any person;
2) Concealing or failing to disclose or disclose information that prohibits a judge from being
appointed as a judge.
3) Abuse of judicial office in order to obtain favorable treatment from any official, appointee or
professional; being found guilty of a crime that reflects adversely on the integrity and
honesty of the judge; receiving a bribe and working as a mediator or engaging in conduct
involving harassment, abuse of authority, dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation, or,
4) When acting us a rapporteur for a multiple-judge panel, misrepresenting the fact and/or the
law as to cause as a result in the case is not justified by the fact or the law despite the fact that
all member of a judicial panel are responsible for the correctness of a decision.

Article 17: Misconduct of a less serious nature

Misconduct of a less serious conduct that causes or is likely to cause harm to the proper
administration of justice before the Ethiopian Federal Courts or the proper internal functioning of
the courts, as reflected in appendix “a,” including the following

1) Unduly attempting to influence another judge, or the president of the court or the registrar in
the exercise of their function.

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2) Failure to answer or ignore the repeated requests of President of the Court on the basis of the
authority vested him by law.
3) Release to the media and journalists any matters pertaining to the federal courts without the
consent of President of the Court.
4) Destroying or performing actions that are likely to cause harm on the reputation of the
Ethiopian Federal Courts.

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