Judicial Campaign Conduct Forum

"Misconduct in judicial campaigns undermines public trust and confidence in the work of our entire judiciary...a threat to the public faith....misdirected conduct in the breach of this faith must not occur."
-Chief Justice, R. Fred Lewis

On July 20, 2006,representatives of the Florida Supreme Court's Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee, the state's trial court chief judges, and The Florida Bar Board of Governors presented a Judicial Campaign Conduct Forum in Orlando, for persons campaigning for circuit and county court judgeships.

Forum information included:

• Forum Agenda
• Powerpoint Presentation
• An Aid to Understanding Canon 7
• Florida Bar Rules relating to the Code of Judicial Conduct
• Sources of Authority
  

Though not a substitute for actual participation in judicial campaign conduct forums, judicial candidates who were unable to attend should review the PowerPoint presentation and other materials on this page. These candidates must confirm review by clicking here.

Candidates should also consult
the following references:

• Florida Supreme Court decisions interpreting Canon 7 (Disciplinary Proceedings)
• The Florida Election Code (Chapters 97 through 106, Florida Statutes). 
• Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee Opinions (from the 6th Florida Judicial Circuit)
• Division of Elections Rules (Florida Administrative Code)

Need more information?

Judicial candidates with questions regarding the propriety of their own contemplated judicial and non-judicial conduct may request advisory opinions interpreting the application of Florida’s Code of Judicial Conduct. For instructions on how to request an advisory opinion, or to ask general questions about judicial campaign conduct, please contact Susan Leseman , Senior Attorney II, Publications, Florida Office of State Courts Administrator, at 850/922-5085.