As a court officer, my fundamental duty
is to serve the public; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the
innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and
the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the Constitutional
right of all men to liberty, equality and justice.
I will keep my
private and public life unsullied as an example to all so that the public will
regard me as an example of stability, fidelity and morality.
I will
maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn, or ridicule; develop
self - restraint; be constantly mindful of the welfare of others; and exemplify
integrity in all my duties. Honest in thought and deed in both my personal and
official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and the
rules and directives of my court. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential
nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever
secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my
duty.
With no compromise for crime and with relentless persecution of
criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear of
favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and
never accepting gratuities.
I accept as a sacred obligation my
responsibility to support the Constitution of the United States and consider
the privilege of defending its principles the greatest honor that may be
bestowed upon any person.
I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol
of public faith and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am
true to the ethics of service as a court officer.
I will constantly
strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to
my chosen profession.