Rule 3.3 Testifying as a Character Witness

Judges are not allowed to testify as character witnesses in legal proceedings. This means a judge cannot go to court and vouch for someone's good character or reputation, even if they know that person well. A judge also cannot informally back up someone's character in a legal case in other ways.

The only exception is if the judge is officially summoned, meaning ordered by the court, to testify. Outside of that situation, judges must stay out of it.

This rule exists because judges hold a position of public trust. If a judge vouches for someone, it can carry extra weight simply because of the judge's title and authority. That kind of influence could unfairly sway a case, so the rule keeps judges from using their position to help or support one side.