South Carolina Code of Judicial Conduct – 2026
Rule 501 of the South Carolina Appellate Court Rules is the Code of Judicial Conduct, governing the conduct of judges: judicial independence and integrity, impartiality and diligence, disqualification, permitted extrajudicial activities, and political conduct.
Browse all 8 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.
Rule Preamble
Preamble
Rule Terminology
Terminology
Rule Canon 1
A Judge Shall Uphold the Integrity and Independence of the Judiciary
Rule Canon 2
A Judge Shall Avoid Impropriety and the Appearance of Impropriety in All of the Judge's Activities
Rule Canon 3
A Judge Shall Perform the Duties of Judicial Office Impartially and Diligently
Rule Canon 4
A Judge Shall So Conduct the Judge's Extra-Judicial Activities as to Minimize the Risk of Conflict With Judicial Obligations
Rule Canon 5
A Judge or Judicial Candidate Shall Refrain From Inappropriate Political Activity
Rule Application
Application of the Code of Judicial Conduct