ABA MODEL CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT
(2011 EDITION)
The Model Code of Judicial Conduct was adopted by the House of Delegates of the American Bar Association on August 7, 1990 and amended on August 6, 1997, August 10, 1999, August 12, 2003, February 12, 2007 and August 10, 2010.
Nothing contained in this book is to be considered as the rendering of legal advice for specific cases, and readers are responsible for obtaining such advice from their own legal counsel. This book and any forms and agreements herein are intended for educational and informational purposes only.
©2010 by the American Bar Association. All rights reserved.
PREAMBLE, SCOPE AND TERMINOLOGY
CANON 1
A JUDGE SHALL UPHOLD AND PROMOTE THE INDEPENDENCE, INTERGRITY, AND IMPARTIALITY OF THE JUDICIARY, AND SHALL AVOID IMPROPRIETY AND THE APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY
RULE 1.1 Compliance with the Law
RULE 1.2 Promoting Confidence in the Judiciary
RULE 1.3 Avoiding Abuse of the Prestige of Judicial Office
CANON 2
A JUDGE SHALL PERFORM THE DUTIES OF JUDICIAL OFFICE IMPARTIALLY, COMPETENTLY, AND DILIGENTLY
RULE 2.1 Giving Precedence to the Duties of Judicial Office
RULE 2.2 Impartiality and Fairness
RULE 2.3 Bias, Prejudice and Harassment
RULE 2.4 External Influences on Judicial Conduct
RULE 2.5 Competence, Diligence, and Cooperation
RULE 2.6 Ensuring the Right to Be Heard
RULE 2.7 Responsibility to Decide
RULE 2.8 Decorum, Demeanor, and Communication with Jurors
RULE 2.9 Ex Parte Communications
RULE 2.10 Judicial Statements on Pending and Impending Cases
RULE 2.11 Disqualification
RULE 2.12 Supervisory Duties
RULE 2.13 Administrative Appointments
RULE 2.14 Disability and Impairment
RULE 2.15 Responding to Judicial and Lawyer Misconduct
RULE 2.16 Cooperation with Disciplinary Authorities
CANON 3
A JUDGE SHALL CONDUCT THE JUDGE’S PERSONAL AND EXTRAJUDICIAL ACTIVITIES TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF CONFLICT WITH THE OBLIGATIONS OF JUDICIAL OFFICE.
RULE 3.1 Extrajudicial Activities in General
RULE 3.2 Appearances before Governmental Bodies and Consultation with
Government Officials
RULE 3.3 Testifying as Character Witness
RULE 3.4 Appointments to Governmental Positions
RULE 3.5 Use of Nonpublic Information
RULE 3.6 Affiliation with Discriminatory Organizations
RULE 3.7 Participation in Educational, Religious, Charitable, Fraternal, or
Civic Organizations and Activities
RULE 3.8 Appointments to Fiduciary Positions
RULE 3.9 Service as Arbitrator or Mediator
RULE 3.10 Practice of Law
RULE 3.11 Financial, Business, or Remunerative Activities
RULE 3.12 Compensation for Extrajudicial Activities
RULE 3.13 Acceptance and Reporting of Gifts, Loans, Bequests,
Benefits, or Other Things of Value
RULE 3.14 Reimbursement of Expenses and Waivers of Fees or Charges
RULE 3.15 Reporting Requirements
CANON 4
A JUDGE OR CANDIDATE FOR JUDICIAL OFFICE SHALL NOT ENGAGE IN POLITICAL OR CAMPAIGN ACTIVITY THAT IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE INDEPENDENCE, INTEGRITY, OR IMPARTIALITY OF THE JUDICIARY
RULE 4.1 Political and Campaign Activities of Judges and Judicial Candidates in General
RULE 4.2 Political and Campaign Activities of Judicial Candidates in Public Elections
RULE 4.3 Activities of Candidates for Appointive Judicial Office
RULE 4.4 Campaign Committees
RULE 4.5 Activities of Judges Who Become Candidates for
Nonjudicial Office
Spanish Translation (2009) | (1987-1990) Standing Committee on Ethics & Professional Responsibility and Judicial Code Subcommittee