CHAPTER 1 – MEMBERS OF THE COURT Rule 2 Assumption of Duty and Term of Office 1. Newly elected Judges shall assume duty on the first day of the first session following their election, except in unforeseen circumstances, in which case, they shall assume duty as soon as practically possible. 2. Before assuming duty, the elected Judges shall take an oath of office or make a declaration in accordance with Article 16 of the Protocol and Rule 4 of these Rules. 3. The term of Office of Judges shall be six (6) years or any other applicable period in accordance with Article 15 of the Protocol. 4. Judges shall participate in the deliberations of all cases after assumption of duty unless the Court determines otherwise, taking into account the stage of deliberations, and the quorum required under Article 23 of the Protocol. Rule 3 Oath of Office or Solemn Declaration 1. Pursuant to Article 16 of the Protocol, each Judge shall make the following oath or solemn declaration: “I …….. (full name of Judge) do swear/or solemnly declare that I will perform my duties and exercise my powers as a Member of the Court honourably, faithfully, independently, impartially and conscientiously, and that I shall preserve the confidentiality of its deliberations even after my term of office has expired”. 2. This oath/declaration shall be taken/made in a public sitting as soon as possible after the election of the new Judge. If necessary, a special public sitting shall be held for this purpose. 7|Page