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Delaware Judges' Code of Judicial Conduct – 2026

The standards of conduct for Delaware's judges, adopted in 2008 and last amended July 14, 2025. The Preamble says the Code is the "Canons of Judicial Ethics" that Article IV, Section 37 of the Delaware Constitution refers to, so persistent misconduct in violation of it can lead to a judge's censure or removal. Four canons each state a principle: uphold the integrity, independence and impartiality of the judiciary; perform judicial duties impartially, competently and diligently; keep outside activities from conflicting with judicial duties; and stay out of improper political activity. Numbered rules carry each canon out, such as Rule 2.11 on disqualification and Rule 3.13 on gifts. The Code prints its comments right after the part of a rule they explain, and they appear that way here. Under the Application section it binds all judges, including justices of the peace, full-time masters and court commissioners.

Browse all 37 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.

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Canon 1: A judge should uphold the integrity, independence and impartiality of the judiciary Canon 2: A judge should perform the duties of judicial office impartially, competently and diligently Canon 3: A judge should regulate extra-judicial activities to minimize the risk of conflict with judicial duties Canon 4: A judge should refrain from political activity inappropriate to the judge's judicial office
Preamble Terminology Application

Canon 1: A judge should uphold the integrity, independence and impartiality of the judiciary

Rule 1.1 Compliance with the Law Rule 1.2 Promoting Confidence in the Judiciary Rule 1.3 Avoiding Abuse of the Prestige of Judicial Office

Canon 2: A judge should perform the duties of judicial office impartially, competently and diligently

Rule 2.1 Giving Precedence to the Duties of Judicial Office Rule 2.2 Impartiality and Fairness Rule 2.3 Bias, Prejudice and Impropriety Rule 2.4 External Influences on Judicial Conduct Rule 2.5 Competence, Diligence, and Cooperation Rule 2.6 Ensuring the Right to Be Heard Rule 2.7 Responsibility to Decide Rule 2.8 Decorum, Demeanor, and Communication with Jurors Rule 2.9 Ex Parte Communications Rule 2.10 Judicial Statements on Pending and Impending Cases Rule 2.11 Disqualification Rule 2.12 Supervisory Duties Rule 2.13 Administrative Appointments Rule 2.14 Disability and Impairment Rule 2.15 Responding to Judicial and Lawyer Misconduct

Canon 3: A judge should regulate extra-judicial activities to minimize the risk of conflict with judicial duties

Rule 3.1 Extra-judicial Activities in General Rule 3.2 Appearances before Governmental Bodies and Consultation with Government Officials Rule 3.3 Testifying as a Character Witness Rule 3.4 Appointments to Governmental Positions Rule 3.5 Use of Nonpublic Information Rule 3.6 Affiliation with Discriminatory Organizations Rule 3.7 Participation in Educational, Religious, Charitable, Fraternal, or Civic Organizations and Activities Rule 3.8 Appointments to Fiduciary Positions Rule 3.9 Service as Arbitrator or Mediator Rule 3.10 Practice of Law Rule 3.11 Financial, Business, or Remunerative Activities Rule 3.12 Compensation for Extrajudicial Activities Rule 3.13 Acceptance and Reporting of Gifts, Loans, Bequests, Benefits, or Other Things of Value Rule 3.14 Reimbursement of Expenses and Waivers of Fees or Charges Rule 3.15 Reporting Requirements

Canon 4: A judge should refrain from political activity inappropriate to the judge's judicial office

Rule 4.1 Political and Campaign Activities of Judges and Judicial Candidates