Rule 51:3.5 Use of Nonpublic Information

Judges often learn private information while doing their job. This can include facts from sealed court files, details shared during private conferences, or other information that isn't available to the public. This rule says judges cannot share or use that information for anything outside their official duties.

The idea behind this rule is simple. Judges are trusted with private information so they can do their jobs fairly and properly. They cannot use that access for personal gain, to help friends or family, for gossip, or for any other reason that has nothing to do with the case in front of them.

For people involved in a court case, this rule offers protection. It means the judge cannot take what they learn about your case and use it against you elsewhere, share it with people who have no business knowing it, or benefit from it in their personal life. It helps keep the courts trustworthy and keeps private matters private.