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West Virginia Code of Judicial Conduct – 2026

The West Virginia Code of Judicial Conduct: its Preamble, Scope, Terminology and Application, and the rules under four canons requiring a judge to uphold the independence, integrity and impartiality of the judiciary, to perform judicial duties impartially, competently and diligently, to conduct personal and extrajudicial activities so as to minimize conflict with judicial office, and to refrain from inconsistent political and campaign activity. Each rule carries the court's comment.

Browse all 43 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.

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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 Canon 2: A Judge Shall Perform The Duties Of Judicial Office Impartially, Competently, And Diligently 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 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
Preamble Scope 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 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 Rule 3.5 Use of Nonpublic Information Rule 3.6 Affiliation with Discriminatory Organizations Rule 3.7 Participation in Educational, Religous, Charitable, Fraternal, or Civic Organizations and Activities Rule 3.8 Appointments to Fiduciary Positions Rule 3.9 Service as Arbitrator or Mediator Rule 3.10 Practice of Law Rule 3.11 Financial, Business, or Remunerative Activities Rule 3.12 Compensation for Extrajudicial Activities Rule 3.13 Acceptance and Reporting 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