New Ethics Opinion about Judicial Ethics from the American Bar Association
The American Bar Association Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility just posted a new ethics opinion related to judges: ABA Formal Op. 26-521 The Judicial Canons of Ethics Applicability to the Administrative and Supervisory Role of a Judge From the Executive Summary: This opinion examines the ethical obligations of judges under the ABA Model Code of Judicial Conduct when exercising administrative, employment, and supervisory authority. The Canons and Rules governing impartiality, integrity, and independence - particularly Canons 1 and 2 and associated rules require judges to administer chambers and court staff with the same fairness and neutrality that guide adjudication. The opinion explains that ethical duties extend beyond the courtroom to include merit-based appointments, the prevention of bias and harassment, and the avoidance of favoritism or the appearance of impropriety in all administrative decisions. Judges fulfill t...