Rule 3.4 Appointments to Governmental Positions

Judges are not allowed to take on extra government jobs, like serving on a committee, board, or commission, unless certain conditions are met. The job has to relate to the law, the court system, or how justice is handled. If it does not fit that description, the judge must get special permission from the Supreme Court before accepting the position.

This rule exists to keep judges focused on their judicial work and to prevent conflicts of interest. If a judge took on unrelated government roles, it could raise questions about their independence or create situations where their outside duties clash with their courtroom responsibilities. By limiting these appointments, the rule helps make sure judges stay impartial and dedicated to their core job of deciding cases fairly.