Avoiding Misuse of the Prestige of Judicial Office

A judge shall not misuse the prestige of judicial office to advance the personal or economic interests* of the judge or others or allow others to do so. Comments [1] It is improper to use or attempt to use the judge’s position to gain personal advantage or deferential treatment of any kind. For example, it would be improper to allude to judicial status to gain favorable treatment in encounters with traffic officials. Similarly, a judge must not use the judicial title in letterhead, e-mails, or any other form of communication, including social media or social networking platforms, to gain an advantage in conducting personal business. [2] Judges may provide a reference or recommendation for an individual based on the judge’s personal knowledge. Judicial stationery may be used for references and recommendations. [3] Judges may participate in the process of judicial selection, except as otherwise prohibited or restricted by Canon 4. [4] [Reserved] Adopted July 1, 2022, eff. Jan. 1, 2023. Canon 2 A judge shall perform the duties of judicial office impartially, competently, and diligently.