Judge Hector, a Municipal Trial Court Judge, was involved in a heated confrontation with Gustavo, a private individual, outside his court. During the argument, Judge Hector lost his temper and slapped Gustavo. The judge’s two adult nephews (Marco and Leonel), who were present during the incident, confronted Gustavo and threatened him, telling him that they could do whatever they wanted because their uncle was a judge. Judge Hector did not stop his nephews and instead told Gustavo that he should be careful because he was “dealing with a judge.” Gustavo subsequently filed an administrative complaint against Judge Hector, alleging that the judge’s conduct violated the Code of Judicial Conduct. Judge Hector argues that the incident occurred outside the courthouse and involved a purely personal dispute unrelated to any case pending before him. He therefore claims that his conduct cannot constitute a violation of the Code.

Is Judge Hector’s argument meritorious? (Bar 2026 Syllabus)