A judge shall hear and decide matters assigned to the judge, except when recusal is appropriate under this code or other law.

[1] Judges must be available to decide the matters that come before the court. There are times when recusal is appropriate to avoid the appearance of impropriety, to protect the rights of litigants, and to preserve public confidence in the fairness, independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary. The dignity of the court, the judge’s respect for fulfillment of judicial duties, and a proper concern for the burdens that may be imposed upon the judge’s colleagues require that a judge not use recusal to avoid cases that present difficult, controversial, or unpopular issues.