Pennsylvania Rules Governing Standards of Conduct of Magisterial District Judges – 2026

The ethical rules for Pennsylvania's magisterial district judges and the judges of the Philadelphia Municipal Court Traffic Division, who are not covered by the Code of Judicial Conduct, published as 207 Pa. Code Chapter 51. They follow the same plan as that Code: a Preamble, a Terminology section defining the terms the rules use, an Application section, and 39 rules under four Canons, on the independence and integrity of the judiciary, the duties of judicial office, personal and extrajudicial activities, and political and campaign activity. Where they differ, they reflect a magisterial district judge's office, for instance on communication in an official capacity. 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 magisterial district 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 magisterial district 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 in an Official Capacity 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 magisterial district judge shall conduct the magisterial district 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 (Reserved) 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 [Reserved] Rule 3.10 Incompatible Practices and Limitations 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 magisterial district 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 Magisterial District 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 Magisterial District Judges Who Become Candidates for Nonjudicial Office