Recognizing and Applying Core Principles of Judicial Ethics: Outlining a judge’s core obligations to act in a manner that promotes public confidence and avoids the appearance of impropriety; Avoiding ex parte Communications: Defining and explaining the prohibition of ex parte communications. Noting the rationale behind allowing ex parte hearings and motions under Ake; Limiting Judicial Speech and Conduct: Relating and explaining the rationale behind speech and conduct rules and studies that indicate how such speech and conduct influence the public’s perception of and respect for the judiciary; Applying Disqualification Standards: Explaining the rationale and appropriateness of the appearance of impropriety standard.