1.

Harmony:  Injustice, in the sense of evil or wrongdoing, is the result of disharmony. One of the goals of justice is to return people and their community to harmony in the resolution of a dispute. The judge must promote harmony between litigants, achieve harmony through assuring reasonable restitution to victims, and foster harmony by providing the means for offenders or wrongdoers to return to their communities. That is achieved through free discussion, conciliation, consensus, and guidance from the judge.

2.

Order: Navajo justice is concerned with order, which is related to the principle of harmony. Court procedures and judicial decisions should be keyed .to an orderly resolution of disputes.

3.

Judicial Attitudes: A judge should behave to everybody as if they were his or her relatives. This value requires judges, as Hózhójí Naat’ááh (leaders), to treat everyone equally and fairly. Navajos believe in equality and horizontal, person-to-person relationships as a part of their concept of justice. Obligations toward relatives extend to everyone, because that is a means of not only stressing personal equality, but creating solidarity.

4.

Coercion: Given the Navajo value of fundamental equality, it is wrong to use coercion against another. While judges have the duty of making decisions for others, that should be done with patience, courtesy, and without aggression. A judge should patiently listen to all proper and relevant evidence, as well as the reasonable and well presented arguments of parties or their counsel.

5.

Humility: Navajo judges are successors of the traditional Hózhójí Naat’ááh (peace chief), because they are chosen for their individual qualities. As such, they are only slightly higher than the others, and respect for their decisions depends upon their personal integrity. Humility is the personal value which prompts people to respect judges for their decisions, and not their position.

6.

Fair Play: The procedure of Navajo justice is people talking out their problems for a consensual resolution of them. A judge should encourage free discussion of the problem before the court, within the limits of reasonable rules of procedure and evidence. A judge should not encourage or permit aggressive behavior, including the badgering of witnesses, rudeness, the infliction of intentional humiliation or embarrassment, or any other conduct which obstructs the right to a full and fair hearing.

7.

Leadership and Guidance: Navajo leadership stresses obligations to others, and creates high duties to consider the overall good of the community. The honor and respect given to leaders is based upon an acceptance of their leadership qualities, and a duty to respect those who guide. While often judges are called upon to use the adjudication process to declare a winner and a loser, or inflict punishment upon an individual, Navajo common law encourages problem-solving and discussion to achieve harmony and order. Therefore, the judge should encourage discussion by the parties, settlement, and resolving underlying problems. The judge should have wisdom and knowledge to recommend plans, solutions, and resolutions to the parties before the court.

A judge shall always act with dignity and impartiality, to assure that parties have their day in court and an orderly and fair proceeding. A judge should exercise patience, and use the authority of the court to decide cases in an atmosphere of reason, rather than contention. The court should immediately intervene to control inappropriate behavior, aggressive tactics, or any conduct which takes away from a fair hearing of the full case, and takes away from the respect due another human being.

8.

Restitution: The Navajo common law of wrongs and crimes was primarily concerned with restitution (nályééh) not punishment. A judge should provide full restitution or reparation to injured parties, particularly in criminal cases. In addition, a judge should encourage appropriate apologies to those who have been wronged, and urge forgiveness for wrongdoers who admit fault and promise good behavior in the future .

1.

Acting in Open Court: Decisions should be announced in open court, except when the judge issues written judgments or orders. A judge should make rulings in open court, . with the opportunity for the parties or counsel to make objections for the record. While there may be occasions when a judge must consult with parties or counsel in chambers, they should have an opportunity to make offers of proof, arguments or objections for the record.

2.

Judicial Hearing: A judge should, at all times, consider how his or her bearing,  (behavior/ comportment/ conduct/ deportment or demeanor) affects the public image of the Navajo Nation courts. Leaders are judged by their speech, actions, dress, appearance, manners, and ·conduct, and it is important to always project the image of judicial impartiality and independence.

3.

Independence and Separation of Powers: A Navajo judge should consider the independence of the Navajo Nation courts, as well as the separation of powers in Navajo Nation Government. A judge must use a proper judicial role to determine the ultimate facts of a case and the law applicable to it, as well as the fair and proper remedy in a given case.

1.

The Judge as Mediator: The judge should use the pretrial conference, sentencing hearing, or post-judgment proceeding to encourage the parties to reach consensus regarding their dispute. The judge shall not coerce or force agreement or consent to a course of action, and shall not continue to preside where the judge is dissatisfied with a party who refuses to settle a case. An agreement is forced or coerced when a judge refuses to accept a fair and reasonable contention that there are fairly contested questions of fact, where testimony should be heard or evidence should be received, or where the judge is so intent upon a settlement to save court time that he or she refuses to accept a reasonable refusal to settle. A judge should enter an order of recusal and disqualify himself or herself when resentment over a party refusing to settle will affect the ability to fairly hear a case. A judge should also enter an order of recusal when he or she has heard a great deal of information during settlement discussions which otherwise would not be admissible as evidence, and the judge is unable to disregard that information in a trial. No finding of fact or conclusion of law may be made upon information received during settlement discussions, which is not developed as evidence in a trial or hearing.

The elements the judge must balance in this consideration are the need to encourage full discussions of a case during settlement sessions, yet disregard otherwise inadmissible evidence or the stance of a party if the case goes to a trial or hearing. Therefore, if a judge is angry at a party for refusing to settle, and that anger may affect a judgment, or if the judge hears evidence not admissible at trial (e.g. a great deal of hearsay) and cannot disregard what has been heard, the judge should consider recusal. While careful not to receive information in violation of rules of fairness, procedure, or evidence, the judge should encourage a full development of information, in order to promote discussion and consensus.

If a judge is uncomfortable with mediation, or feels that the skills of a peacemaker will assist in the process of mediation, the judge should refer the case to the Navajo Peacemaker Court.

2.

A Judge as Adjudicator: When called upon to make a decision in a contested matter, the judge should be satisfied that all available and relevant information is before the court, in order to make a fair decision. Where parties have the opportunity to present full proof of their case, but fail to do so, the judge may draw a negative inference from that fact. That is, if there is evidence that would support a contention, and the party having the evidence fails to produce it, the court may conclude that the evidence would not support the contention, or would go against it. Rules of practice, procedure, and evidence should be liberally applied so all relevant facts, and all reasonable arguments of law are presented.

The judge has the discretion, serving as an adjudicator, to ask questions of witnesses, particularly where counsel fails to develop facts which are relevant to the pleading. A judge also has the discretion to compel the production of evidence which is relevant to the case. A judge may recess or continue a case for a reasonable period of time for such purposes.

3.

Counselling Parties or Counsel Before the Court: While a judge should take care to not unfairly admonish a party of counsel before the court, or to give an appearance or partiality to one side or another, that judge should not hesitate to enter appropriate orders, or give direction, to assure a fair trial or hearing. Where a party or counsel has engaged in unfair or improper conduct during the course of a trial or hearing, a judge may, following the entry of judgment, provide counselling to the party or counsel. That should be done in a manner which makes clear that the admonitions given by the court did not or will not affect the outcome of the case. A judge may counsel parties or counsel as a group, or separately, as may be appropriate. Where there has been a direct or indirect contempt of court by a party or counsel, the court should not counselor admonish, but use the proper procedures to punish for a direct or indirect contempt of court. In appropriate cases, a judge may refer acts of misconduct by a party or counsel to the Office of the Prosecutor or the Navajo Nation Bar Association.

4.

Following the Law: A judge shall be faithful to the law, and use best efforts to discover and apply any rule of law declared by the Navajo Nation Treaty of 1868, applicable federal statutes, enactments of the Navajo Nation Council, the Navajo common law, or applicable and relevant principles of law from other jurisdictions. A judge should remember that courts apply the law, and do not consider partisan or factional interest, public clamor, or criticism.

5.

Bias: It does not require automatic recusal because of personal opinion, but only an aware and deliberate self-examination, with a moral judgment that it. would be inappropriate to hear the case. The judge shall enter an order of recusal if it appears that bias or prejudice toward a person, group, or entity may play a part in a decision. A judge shall not permit any person, including members of the court staff, counsel, or those coming before the court , to express bias or prejudice, or argue that the court should consider any such matter in a decision or ruling.

6.

Consultations : Judges, as humans, sometimes have negative attitudes toward others because of their race, gender, tribal affiliation, clan membership, political views, wealth or poverty, profession or business, official status, or membership in some other class. Judges shall perform the duties of judicial office without bias, prejudice or favoritism. If a judge bears either a bias. or favoritism toward any group, he or she should consciously reflect to decide whether that attitude will affect the ability to remain impartial, given the identity of a party or parties before the court. A judge may consult with other judges or members of the court staff regarding relevant and applicable points of law, and may receive appropriate assistance from such persons in the preparation of an order, judgment, or other decision. A judge may also consult with any independent and impartial expert in the law regarding general principles of law which may be applicable to a case. Those experts can include law professors, experienced attorneys, experts in the field (but not experts on a question of fact before the court), medicine men and women, counsellors on tribal customs and usages, or other persons having expertise in law. A judge need not disclose the consultation with such a person, but must limit the consultation to general opinions of law on facts found by the judge alone. The judge retains the ultimate responsibility to decide controlling questions of fact and law.

7.

Outside Activities: A judge is clothed with independence, integrity, and fairness. Those moral values become a permanent part of a good judge. The public will judge the courts on the personal conduct of a judge. No outside personal, business, or social activity of a judge should create a conflict between private interest and public duty. Attention to personal, business, or social activities should not reduce the time devoted to public business. The pursuit of a judge's private interests shall not be undertaken in such a way as to create public distrust in the judge's ability to decide matters with fairness and impartiality. The judge's personal conduct and habits, as seen by the public, must not undermine public trust in his or her personal integrity. That includes prompt attention to just debts and obligations, the avoidance of alcohol or drug abuse, compliance with Navajo concepts of propriety and decency, and acting in a moral manner.

Some examples of the personal conduct required include dressing and behaving as the Navajo public expects; use of intoxicants, except where permitted and in a moderate manner; treating one's spouse and children with respect and courtesy in public places; avoiding sexual improprieties, including adultery, sexual harassment, or promiscuous behavior; acting with politeness and courtesy to members of the public; avoiding improper or offensive language or comments; and, acting as a leader who commands respect by giving respect.

8.

Behavior in Other Courts: When a judge presides in another Navajo Nation court, or a court of a foreign jurisdiction, the judge should respect the integrity of that court, and that of judges who have either previously presided in the matter, or will preside in later proceedings. A judge will assume jurisdiction only upon a clear appointment, and with clear jurisdiction. Where a prior judge has made a procedural ruling in a case, that is the law of the case and is binding upon the successor judge, unless the ruling is clearly unjust, or violates fundamental principles of law.  A judge who has the honor of appearing in another tribe's court or tribunal shall respect the culture and traditions of that tribe.

9.

Promote Efficient, and Fair Decisions: A judge shall plan pending cases with an eve to assuring a speedy, efficient, prompt, fair, and thoughtful determination of all disputed questions of fact and law. Due regard should be given to the right of a speedy trial in criminal matters, and the special needs of children, the elderly, the disabled, and those who complain of deprivations of fundamental civil rights. Persons who may be in jail pending a criminal trial are entitled to a speedy trial to avoid unjust incarceration. Children, the elderly, and disabled persons are entitled to have serious questions which affect their rights or status decided promptly. Those who seek proper relief by way of injunction, restraining order, or other specific orders to cure violations of civil rights should have their cases heard promptly. If a judge feels hesitant to rule on a matter because of a lack of knowledge of the law which applies to it, or because of the importance of the decision, that judge should use resources which are available within the judicial branch to assist in making the decision. Cases should not be left undecided when proper consultation may aid making a prompt decision.

10.

Public Comment on Court Matters: The judge shall not publicly comment on matters pending before the court, including providing information or views to the news media or persons in semipublic contacts. While a judge may give public addresses or make public statements regarding views on the law, they should be general expressions of informed opinion which are not related to any matter pending before the Navajo Nation courts.

11.

Use of Non-Public Information: No judge shall disclose, or make any personal use of, non-public information acquired during the course of judicial office. This includes the use of any such information upon leaving judicial office.

1.

Planning: A judge should do long-term and short-term planning, with the assistance of appropriate members of. the court staff, to identify needs, goals. and objectives, and to make appropriate delegations and assignments of responsibility to affected staff members.

2.

Delegations and Assignments: A judge should delegate administrative tasks and· responsibilities to staff members, assign nonjudicial support duties to qualified personnel. and assure that members of the court staff understand their duties and responsibilities.

3.

Supervision: A judge should adequately supervise so that members of the court staff properly perform their position duties.

4.

Orientation: A judge should provide ongoing orientation to members of the court staff regarding their duties to the court and to the public. That includes instruction on the proper role and function of each staff member in the court organization, and the duty to treat members of the public with the utmost courtesy and cooperation.

5.

Personnel Matters: A judge shall not carry out the administrative responsibility to hire, assign, promote, or discipline members of the court staff using bias or prejudice, nepotism, favoritism, or any factor other than merit and the qualifications of the person for the position.

6.

Discipline: A judge should impose appropriate discipline for infractions of court policy, or a failure to carry out the duties of the position. Discipline should be imposed after orientation on the duties of the position and court. standards, counselling for minor infractions, and a fair hearing.

1.

Personal Competence in the Law: A judge must make a personal assessment of his or her weaknesses in legal knowledge, as well as areas of law which will be useful in carrying out judicial duties. A judge should. develop a personal training plan, identify training opportunities, and communicate training needs to the Office of the Chief Justice. In addition, a judge should seek materials and resources for personal study, including materials available through the Solicitor, staff attorneys, the Navajo Nation Bar Association, or other community resources.  A judge should strive to seek out new approaches and techniques to improve the skill to make wise and prompt decisions.

2.

Assisting and Encouraging Others: A judge will often have knowledge or skills not possessed by other judges. In such instances, a judge should offer his or her knowledge or experience to others. A judge should participate in the development of comprehensive training and education plans, encourage and participate in Navajo Nation Judicial Branch training activities, and promote discussions with other judges regarding applicable law, court policy, or successful judicial techniques.

3.

Legal Education: A judge should not only promote legal education within the Navajo Nation judiciary, but promote the education of the Navajo Nation bar and members of the general public. That is done by participation in bar or public functions, and responding to invitations to speak to public groups. While a judge shall not use such occasions to comment upon any matter pending before the courts, or render opinions regarding political matters, a judge should welcome opportunities to inform the public on the law, and reinforce the dignity of the Navajo Nation courts.

1.

Political Activities: While a judge may participate in government functions and activities, the judge must not engage in political functions. A judge shall not:

a.

Act as a leader or hold an office in a Navajo Nation political organization, which includes organized Navajo Nation political parties, organizations which advocate in favor of or against a candidate for office or a given political view, organizations formed in support of any candidate for elective office, or a chapter faction.

b.

Give a public endorsement or state public opposition to a candidate for Navajo Nation public elective office. A judge may support a candidate for state or federal elective office.

c.

Make a speech on behalf of a political organization, as defined in subsection l(a) above.

d.

Attend a meeting or gathering of a political organization, as defined in subsection l(a) above.

e.

Solicit funds for, pay monies to, or make a contribution to any candidate or any group or organization recited in subsection l(a) above, or purchase tickets for dinners or other functions of such persons or groups.

2.

Candidacy for Public Elective Office: A judge shall not retain judicial office and simultaneously be a candidate for public elective office. Such offices include the Navajo Nation President or Vice-President, membership in the Navajo Nation Council, chapter office, and public elective offices of the States of Arizona, New Mexico, or Utah, or of the Government of the United States. Such public offices also include elective, but not appointive, school board positions, and any other public position which is filled through the vote of the electorate.

3.

Resignation upon Candidacy: Any judge who becomes a candidate or who announces an intent for candidacy to public elective office, shall immediately resign from judicial office.

4.

Other Expressions of Political Views: Nothing in this canon shall prohibit a judge from participating in non-elective activities of his or her chapter, so long as any public vote or expression of views on chapter matters does not compromise the appearance of independence and impartiality of the judge or the courts. The judge must make it clear that any expression of opinion on chapter policy d oes not represent the view of the Navajo Nation courts or the judge as a judge, but only a personal view. The judge shall avoid any public expression of political views, and should take care that when expressing views on issues of public interest, it is done in an appropriate manner, without speaking as a judge.

5.

Contributions: While a judge may participate in chapter and other governmental functions, and express prudent and appropriate views on matters which do not compromise judicial independence, a judge should not make contributions to political groups or for activities which are not social in nature.

1.

Obedience to the Law: A judge shall comply with the laws of the Navajo Nation, and act to promote public confidence in the integrity, fairness, and impartiality of the Navajo Nation judiciary.

2.

Impartiality: A judge shall not allow family, clan, religious, social, political, or other relationships and activities to influence judicial conduct or judgment.

3.

Use of Office for Self or Others: A judge shall not use the prestige of judicial office to promote the interests of the judge or others.

4.

Influence: A judge shall not act or permit others to act so as to give the impression they have any special influence with the judge, or are in a position to influence the judge.

5.

Testimony: A judge shall not voluntarily appear in any court to testify as a character witness for a party.. The prohibition against appearing as a character witness extends to letters to a court or probation officer, but does not prohibit letters of recommendation for matters outside judicial jurisdiction.

6.

Membership in Organizations: A judge shall not serve as a member of a board, including nonprofit organization boards, unless the work of the board deals with the promotion of law or the judiciary, and membership does not conflict with judicial duties. Board .membership includes membership on advisory boards.

1.

Use of Position: A judge shall not engage in any financial or business dealing, using or appearing to use judicial office as an advantage. That does not prohibit self-identification as a judge where normal business practice requires disclosure of a person's occupation.

2.

Financial or Business Relationships: A judge shall not engage in financial or business dealings which either create a relationship with counsel who regularly appears before the Navajo Nation courts, or be involved with activities which are likely to come before the Navajo Nation courts.

3.

Investments: A judge may, subject to this code, hold and manage investments for self and family, including real estate transactions, or other gainful activity.

4.

Business Entities: A judge shall not serve as an officer, director, manager, general partner, advisor or employee of any business entity, except that a judge may, subject to this code, manage and participate in:

a.

A business owned by the judge or members of the judge's family; or

b.

A business entity primarily engaged in investments on behalf of the judge or the judge's family.

5.

Managing Investments: A judge shall manage personal and family investments or financial interests in a manner that minimizes the number of cases where the judge should be disqualified. In situations where there may be a conflict of interest by holding investments in entities which appear before the Navajo Nation courts, the judge should give up those investments as soon as the judge can do so without serious financial detriment.

6.

Gifts and Loans: A judge and members of the judge's family residing in the same household, shall not accept or knowingly permit the acceptance of any gift, bequest, favor or loan from anyone except for:

a.

Gifts as public testimonials or honoraria, gifts customarily offered for speaking engagements, gifts by Indian customs, complimentary items offered by publishers or suppliers, invitations for bar-related functions, or public functions associated with the law and judicial office.

b.

A gift, award or benefit arising out of the business, profession, or separate activity of a spouse or family member residing in the judge's household, including gifts, awards and benefits for the use of the judge or any family members, provided that the item or benefit cannot reasonably be seen as being intended to influence the judge in performing judicial duties.

c.

Ordinary social hospitality or Indian customary gifts.

d.

A gift from a relative or friend for a special occasion, such as a wedding, anniversary, birthday, or ceremonial, if the gift is fit for the occasion and the relationship.

e.

A gift, bequest, favor or loan from a blood or clan relative or close personal friend, where the judge would in any event be disqualified from hearing a case involving such persons.

f.

A loan from a public or private lending institution, in the regular course of business, on the same terms
available to persons who are not judges.

g.

A scholarship or fellowship awarded on the same terms and criteria as to other applicants.

7.

Trusts, Estates and Fiduciary Activities: A judge shall not serve as an executor, administrator, personal representative, trustee, attorney in fact, or other fiduciary, except for the estate or person of a member of the judge's family, and then only if such service will not interfere with the proper performance of judicial duties. A judge shall not serve in such a position if it is likely the judge will be involved in adversary proceedings before the Navajo Nation courts. When serving in a permitted fiduciary activity, general restrictions on financial activities apply.

8.

Service as a Peacemaker, Arbitrator or Private Mediator: A judge shall not serve as a peacemaker, arbitrator or private mediator, or otherwise perform judicial functions in a private capacity.

9.

Business with the Judicial Branch: No judge or a member of a judge's immediate family may conduct business with the Judicial Branch of the Government of the Navajo Nation.

10.

Reporting of Outside Compensation: Each judge and justice shall, in accordance with guidelines established by the Chief Justice, make an annual report of .outside compensation and financial interests to the Director of Judicial Administration.

1.

General Prohibition: A judge shall not participate in, comment upon, advocate, or permit the use of the judge's name for the advocacy of any position pending before the Navajo Nation Council, a state legislature, the United States Congress, an administrative agency, or a public body. Lobbying the enactment or defeat of legislation or policy before a legislative or policy-making body is generally prohibited.

2.

Exception: Where a matter affects the Navajo Nation judiciary or is one which falls within judicial expertise in the law and is pending before a nonjudicial body, a judge may testify orally or in writing, or otherwise participate in proceedings upon such matters. Provided, however, it may be done only after consultation with appropriate judicial personnel, and the development of a court policy on the matter in question. A judge may appear to give testimony, but only in consultation with the Chief Justice of the Navajo Nation, the Judiciary Committee of the Navajo Nation Council, and the Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the Navajo Nation Council, as provided by Title 2 of the Navajo Tribal Code.

1.

Definition: An "ex parte communication" is any written or 'oral communication of information or opinion regarding the merits of a case, without an opportunity for all parties to participate in or respond to the communication.

2.

General Prohibition:  A judge shall not initiate, permit, or condone any ex parte communication with a party, counsel, or interested person, except as provided by law. Exceptions to the prohibition include administrative matters which do not go to the merits of the case, case scheduling, or emergency applications and writs which are allowed by law.

3.

Visits to Chambers: A judge should refuse to speak with any party or attorney in chambers regarding a matter before the court, unless the judge is satisfied that (1) the party or attorney has consulted with all opposing parties or counsel, and has obtained their agreement to consult with the judge regarding a particular matter, (2) the visit involves a purely administrative function, such as complications in filing or a question of procedure, (3) the question to be discussed is a matter of scheduling, or (4) the visit is for the purpose of making application for a special writ or proceeding, permitted by law to be done ex parte. Any other visitor who wishes to discuss a case should be courteously, but firmly, told by the judge or a member of the court staff that the judge cannot and will not discuss any case pending before the court.

4.

Recording Permissible Visits: Where a party or counsel is permitted to discuss a matter by consent, or make a visit for scheduling, the judge or a member of the court staff should prepare a memorandum of what was discussed for the court file and for all parties.

5.

Emergency Applications and Extraordinary Writs: Where emergency applications warrant requests, or extraordinary writs are permitted by law, the petition should be presented in open court, with the presence of a clerk of court, and recorded. A judge should be assisted by a member of the court staff, and the proceedings should be recorded by tape recording or minute entry. There may be rare occasions when an individual will make an emergency visit to a judge at the judge's home for proper emergency relief. The judge should, in such instances, make arrangements to record or report on the meeting and its results.

6.

Non-adversarial Matters:  This rule shall not apply to judicial functions which do not involve adversarial proceedings (e.g. name changes).

1.

Personal Bias, Prejudice, or Knowledge: A judge should not preside over a matter where the judge has a personal bias or prejudice toward a party, or where the judge has personal, firsthand knowledge of the facts which will arise in the case.

2.

Service as Counsel, Law Associate, or Material Witness: A judge should not preside where the judge has served as counsel in the case before the court, or counsel appearing before the judge has been associated as counsel in the case before the court, or the judge is a material witness in the case.

3.

Economic Interest: Where a judge, acting individually or as a fiduciary, or the judge's spouse, parent or child has an economic interest in the subject of the case, or any interest which could be substantially affected by its outcome, the judge should not preside.

4.

Blood Relations: A judge should not preside where a party is the judge's father, mother, maternal or paternal grandparent, uncle, aunt, brother, or sister, or the party is a child, spouse, or guardian of such person. The rule also applies for entities where such persons are officers, directors, or trustees.

5.

Clan Relations: The judge should not preside over a matter involving a relative by clan relation where there is a reasonable objection to the judge presiding, or where presiding would give an appearance of impropriety.

1.

Recusal or Disqualification, When: The situations mentioned above are ones where the judge should enter an order of recusal or grant a motion of disqualification. Other situations may arise where a judge may have a past or present relationship to a party or witness such as to require recusal or disqualification as a matter of fairness or to avoid" any appearance of impropriety.

2.

Questionable Situations: Where a judge knows of any situation where the judge's fairness or impartiality may be called into question, the judge should make a disclosure of the facts of the matter to the parties, state whether or not the judge feels such will affect fairness or impartiality, and permit the parties to act in accordance with the information provided.

3.

Use of Sound Discretion: While the existence of a personal, business, religious, philosophical, or other position may require a judge from presiding in a matter, or the potential of the appearance of impropriety may require recusal, the judge should not grant a motion for disqualification without good cause. The judge should also consider judicial economy, the use of a motion for disqualification as a means of delay, the availability of other judges to hear the matter, or whether the ground for disqualification will cause unfairness or injustice.