ABA judicial ethics model

The American Bar Association’s House of Delegates wrapped up their Mid-year conference down in Miami, Florida yesterday, revisions to its Code of Judicial Ethics not being at the bottom of the agenda, according to several articles over the weekend. Some weren’t all that flattering. In any event, we decided on this update. (See Cin’ti. Enquirer article & NYT editorial)

While not binding, the ABA model rules for judicial conduct, last revised in 1990, do serve as guidance for the individual states in developing ethics rules for their judiciary. The set now being looked at generally tracks with the standards for federal judges adopted last September.

For those interested, the ABA has background and legal ethics research material on its site. The American Judicature Society, an independent, nonpartisan organization made up of judges, lawyers, and other persons concerned with improving the judicial system, has an evaluation of the code, and a comparison of the present & proposed model codes posted.