Also known as: Canon 2 · Canon 3(A)(4) · Canon 3(A)(6) · judicial canons · Code of Conduct canons
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A collection of judicial ethics provisions that require judges to avoid conduct bringing the office into disrepute, to decide matters impartially without regard to public pressure, and to refrain from ex parte communications or other improper contacts.
Judge Craig Caldwell regularly purchased illegal drugs and spent evenings with known prostitutes and dealers. State disciplinary authorities initiated removal proceedings after learning of the pattern. The conduct violated the canons even though none of the associations touched any pending case.
Judge Christine Castro testified in a federal hearing that she had never accepted DWI pleas outside open court. Records later showed multiple ex parte pleas she had personally handled. Prosecutors obtained a perjury conviction and the state bar pursued disbarment.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
A judge's use of illegal drugs and associations with prostitutes and drug dealers brings the judicial office into disrepute and violates the canons requiring judges to uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary.
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Yes. A judge who makes a false material declaration under oath in a federal proceeding violates the canons requiring faithful application of the law and may face criminal prosecution, removal, and disbarment.
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A judge who conducts secret interviews with reporters and discusses witness credibility, legal theories, defendant culpability, and remedies engages in deliberate, repeated, and flagrant violations of Canons 2, 3(A)(4), and 3(A)(6).
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Yes. A judge who rules solely on the evidence and governing law, despite tenant protests and newspaper editorials urging a particular outcome, complies with the canons by refusing to be swayed by public clamor or criticism.
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