Virginia Canons of Judicial Conduct – 2026

What a Virginia judge may and may not do — the Commonwealth's only judicial-conduct source, and Part Six, Section III of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia. The Canons were reorganised into THREE broad canons, each followed by lettered standards that are themselves binding: a judge must be impartial (Canon 1), must uphold the public trust (Canon 2), and must promote the efficient and effective delivery of justice (Canon 3). The Preamble sets the test, three questions a judge should ask of any action or inaction: will it threaten the judge's impartiality, will it harm public trust in the fairness of the judiciary, and will it harm the efficient and effective delivery of justice. Canon 1's sixteen standards cover relationships with parties or counsel, social media, using the prestige of office to advance private interests, and — at standard 1(D), the longest in the set — recusal and disqualification, with standard 1(J) on ex parte communications close behind. Canon 2's twenty-two standards run from public and private behaviour and participation in politics through service as a fiduciary, membership in discriminatory organizations, fund raising, the limitations on a judge's practice of law, and the disciplinary responsibilities a judge owes when another judge or a lawyer falls short. Canon 3's nine standards are the working ones: judicial duties as priority, prompt decision making, professional competence, decorum and civility, and expense reimbursement. A Terminology section defines bias, de minimis, domestic partner and economic interest, and then sets out which judicial officers the Canons do not reach — judges pro tempore, retired and senior judges, substitute judges and special justices, and a person merely selected for a judgeship. Cited by standard, as the Canons cite themselves.

Last updated September 10, 2026

Browse all 49 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.

Standard Preamble Preamble Standard Terminology Terminology and Exceptions to Applicability

Canon 1. A Judge Must Be Impartial

Standard 1(A) Relationships with parties or counsel (including family relationships) Standard 1(B) Social media Standard 1(C) Using the prestige of office to advance private interests Standard 1(D) Recusal or Disqualification Standard 1(E) Serving as a character witness Standard 1(F) Providing a letter of recommendation Standard 1(G) Providing information for the record Standard 1(H) Bias or prejudice Standard 1(I) Providing information to unrepresented litigants Standard 1(J) Ex parte communications Standard 1(K) Consultation with law clerks and administrative personnel Standard 1(L) Avoidance of independent investigations beyond evidence presented Standard 1(M) Providing education, advice, and mentoring Standard 1(N) Avoiding favoritism Standard 1(O) Acceptance of gifts, recognitions, and invitations Standard 1(P) Influence by the public

Canon 2. A Judge Must Uphold the Public Trust

Standard 2(A) Public and private behavior Standard 2(B) Participation in judicial selection process Standard 2(C) Voting Standard 2(D) Participation in politics Standard 2(E) Refraining from public comment regarding pending or impending cases Standard 2(F) Use of nonpublic information acquired in a judicial capacity Standard 2(G) Service as a fiduciary Standard 2(H) Service on boards of charitable, civic, religious, fraternal, or educational Standard 2(I) Exercise of religious beliefs Standard 2(J) Membership in discriminatory organizations Standard 2(K) Comment regarding a jury’s verdict Standard 2(L) Extrajudicial activities Standard 2(M) Pro Bono Publico and access to justice Standard 2(N) Avoiding governmental appointments except as pertain to improvement of the law, Standard 2(O) Fund raising Standard 2(P) Limitations on practice of law Standard 2(Q) Avoidance of facial expression, body language, or statements suggesting bias or Standard 2(R) Decorum in courtroom Standard 2(S) Judicial appointments Standard 2(T) Disciplinary responsibilities Standard 2(U) Financial activities Standard 2(V) Adherence to law

Canon 3. A Judge Must Promote Efficient and Effective Delivery of Justice

Standard 3(A) Judicial duties as priority Standard 3(B) Prompt decision making Standard 3(C) Maintain professional competence Standard 3(D) Maintain decorum and civility Standard 3(E) Patient, dignified, and courteous behavior Standard 3(F) Efficient discharge of administrative duties Standard 3(G) Mediation limited to court-administered programs Standard 3(H) Workplace conduct Standard 3(I) Expense reimbursement and compensation