Also known as: Codes of Judicial Conduct · CJC · judicial conduct code
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A body of ethical standards that governs the professional conduct and behavior of judges. The standards require judges to follow all applicable law and to maintain independence, integrity, and impartiality in every judicial and extrajudicial activity.
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Judge Caleb Chang presides over a rate-increase application filed by Summit Gas while his personal portfolio holds a large position in a hedge fund that owns substantial Summit Gas securities. Chang issues the approval without updating his financial disclosure forms or informing the parties of the investment. The undisclosed stake creates a financial interest that the proceeding directly affects, triggering a violation of the compliance obligation.
Carmen Choi, a practicing lawyer running for judicial office, publicly endorses a sitting sheriff during a televised town hall and urges voters to reelect him. Choi's statements occur while she remains subject to the rules that bind judicial candidates. The endorsement places her in direct violation of the requirement that candidates for judicial office follow the applicable provisions of the Code.
A judge must maintain current awareness of portfolio holdings that could intersect with matters on the docket and must update financial disclosures accordingly. Failure to disclose or recuse when a hedge fund position creates a meaningful stake in the outcome violates the compliance duty.
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A standardized discount extended through algorithms to thousands of customers, including other government officials, does not create a prohibited gift or influence when the judge pays invoices from a dedicated account and maintains a balanced decisional record. The conduct therefore produces no breach of the compliance obligation.
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Recusal is not required when any potential benefit depends on multiple uncertain contingencies such as the outcome of competitive bidding and contract negotiations after a possible recall order. A remote and speculative connection does not trigger disqualification under the compliance standards.
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A judge may not publicly endorse or oppose a candidate for any public office. Statements urging voters to reelect a named candidate during a televised town hall constitute a prohibited endorsement that subjects the judge to discipline.
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A lawyer may not knowingly assist a judge in conduct that violates the Code. Drafting a consulting agreement that creates an ongoing paid relationship between a judge and a party appearing before the judge on overlapping regulatory issues supplies the prohibited assistance.
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