The Georgia Code of Judicial Conduct

Judges must avoid activities that may call their integrity into question.

Georgia's Code of Judicial Conduct consists of broad statements called Canons and Sections, which describe the Canons in more detail. Judges are expected to maintain high standards of ethics in all affairs, both personal and business, as well as conducting themselves on the bench with dignity.

Applicability

Anyone performing judicial functions or who is a candidate for a judicial position, whether as a judge or administrative law judge, is bound by the Georgia Code of Judicial Conduct, subject to two exceptions. Part-time judges and Judges Pro Tempore (temporary judges) may practice law but must not practice law before the same court in which he sits as a judge. The code applies regardless of whether the individual in question is a lawyers or a layperson.

Standards

Canons 1 and 2 provide that judges shall maintain high standards of ethics and avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Judges are also expected to dispense justice impartially.

Judicial Demeanor

Judges are required to maintain professional decorum and conduct administrative duties diligently and impartially. A must disqualify himself as a sitting judge in cases involving family members, business associates and friends and in any case in which he may have a conflict of interest.

Discipline

The Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission may discipline judges who violate the Canons of Ethics. Serious violations may result in removal from office by the Commission.

References

• State Bar of Georgia: "Georgia Code of Judicial Conduct"