Pennsylvania Code of Judicial Conduct – 2026

The ethical rules for Pennsylvania's judges, adopted by the Supreme Court and published as 207 Pa. Code Chapter 33. They bind the justices and judges of the Supreme, Superior, Commonwealth and common pleas courts, the Philadelphia Municipal Court outside its Traffic Division, and senior judges; Canon 4, on political and campaign activity, also binds every candidate for judicial office. The Code opens with a Preamble, a Terminology section that defines the terms the rules use, such as impartiality, impropriety and the third degree of relationship, and an Application section saying whom it covers. The rules sit under four Canons: Canon 1, upholding the independence, integrity and impartiality of the judiciary; Canon 2, performing judicial duties impartially, competently and diligently, including the rule on disqualification, Rule 2.11; Canon 3, personal and extrajudicial activities, such as civic and charitable organizations, fiduciary activities, the practice of law and the acceptance of gifts; and Canon 4, political and campaign activity. Every rule carries the Supreme Court's own Comment.

Last updated October 02, 2026

Browse all 42 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, and Application

Preamble Terminology Application

Canon 1: A judge shall uphold and promote the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary, and shall avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety

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 shall 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 Harassment 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 Rule 2.16 Cooperation with Disciplinary Authorities

Canon 3: A judge shall conduct the judge’s personal and extrajudicial activities to minimize the risk of conflict with the obligations of judicial office

Rule 3.1 Extrajudicial 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 and Other Organizations 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 Fiduciary Activities Rule 3.9 Service as Arbitrator or Mediator Rule 3.10 Practice of Law Rule 3.11 Financial Activities Rule 3.12 Compensation for Extrajudicial Activities Rule 3.13 Acceptance 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 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

Rule 4.1 Political and Campaign Activities of Judges and Judicial Candidates in General Rule 4.2 Political and Campaign Activities of Judicial Candidates in Public Elections Rule 4.3 Activities of Candidates for Appointive Judicial Office Rule 4.4 Campaign Committees Rule 4.5 Activities of Judges Who Become Candidates for Nonjudicial Office