California Courts,  Ethics,  Judges

Updates to Code of Judicial Ethics

This press release from the Judicial Council of California announces that the Supreme Court has approved several amendments to the Code of Judicial Ethics.  The press release recounts the areas affected before going into significant detail on the changes:

The issues covered by the amendments include handling cases with self-represented litigants, judicial disclosure, character reference letters, self-reporting by judges after being charged with or convicted of certain crimes, and misusing the prestige of the office by commissioners or referees.

The updated code is available as a downloadable PDF. Click here for the PDF.  The changes do not take effect until January 1, 2008.