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California Code of Judicial Ethics – 2026

The California Code of Judicial Ethics, the Supreme Court's rules for the conduct of judges, on and off the bench, and of candidates for judicial office, under article VI, section 18(m) of the California Constitution: its Preamble, its Terminology, and six Canons on the integrity and independence of the judiciary, avoiding impropriety, the impartial and diligent performance of judicial duties (including disqualification and disclosure), extrajudicial activities, political and campaign activity, and who must comply, with the Advisory Committee Commentary. As amended effective July 1, 2020.

Browse all 8 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.

Preamble Terminology Canon 1 A judge shall uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary Canon 2 A judge shall avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all of the judge’s activities Canon 3 A judge shall perform the duties of judicial office impartially, competently, and diligently Canon 4 A judge shall so conduct the judge’s quasi-judicial and extrajudicial activities as to minimize the risk of conflict with judicial obligations Canon 5 A judge or candidate for judicial office shall not engage in political or campaign activity that is inconsistent with the independence, integrity, or impartiality of the judiciary Canon 6 Compliance with the Code of Judicial Ethics