Socioeconomic status is protected from biased behavior by the Code of Judicial Conduct.

• A. False
• B. It is protected only for high-income individuals
• C. Protected in certain contexts
• D. True

Answer: (D)

Judges must be free from bias in all decisions, and socioeconomic status is treated as a protected characteristic under these rules. The ethics code requires impartiality and prohibits prejudice or discrimination based on wealth or economic condition. This means a judge cannot let someone’s poverty or wealth influence rulings, credibility assessments, or access to the courts. The protection isn’t limited to certain contexts or to only high-income individuals—it applies broadly so that people from different economic backgrounds receive fair treatment in all proceedings. Therefore, socioeconomic status is protected from biased behavior by the Code of Judicial Conduct.