This case has been cited 2 times or more.
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2009-06-05 |
PERALTA, J. |
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| It is to be stressed that judges are dutybound to have more than a cursory acquaintance with laws and jurisprudence. Failure to follow basic legal commands constitutes gross ignorance of the law from which no one may be excused, not even a judge.[67] The Code of Judicial Conduct mandates that "a judge shall be faithful to the law and maintain professional competence."[68] It bears stressing that competence is one of the marks of a good judge. When a judge displays an utter lack of familiarity with the Rules, he erodes the public's confidence in the competence of our courts. Such is gross ignorance of the law. Having accepted the exalted position of a judge, he/she owes the public and the court the duty to be proficient in the law.[69] | |||||