Supreme Court Amends Campaign Rules
Governing Judicial Candidates

HARRISBURG, November 21, 2002  — Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Stephen A. Zappala announced today that the Supreme Court is amending its conduct rules for judges and district justices to address campaign ethics and the administration of justice.

Separate amendments were made today by the court to Canon 7B(1)(c) of the Code of Judicial Conduct — which governs judges and judicial candidates of the Common Pleas and appellate courts — and to Rule 15D(3) of the Rules Governing Standards of Conduct of District Justices. Both orders take effect immediately.

Separate amendments were made today by the court to Canon 7B(1)(c) of the Code of Judicial Conduct — which governs judges and judicial candidates of the Common Pleas and appellate courts — and to Rule 15D(3) of the Rules Governing Standards of Conduct of District Justices. Both orders take effect immediately.

“The fundamental need for judicial impartiality and the appearance thereof — a cornerstone of public trust and confidence in the courts — must be carefully balanced with some of the practical considerations attending campaigns,” Chief Justice Zappala said. “The changes adopted today underscore the court’s paramount concern with integrity in the judicial process, including judicial campaigns.”

Pennsylvania is one of about 40 states with some type of judicial elections. Most have limits on what judicial candidates can say or do while campaigning. The judicial codes of 23 states include the ABA Model Code provision adopted today by the court; seven others have similar provisions.

The latest changes were in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2002 ruling in Republican Party of Minnesota v. White that found the "announce clause" in Minnesota's canons of judicial conduct violative of the First Amendment.

Supreme Court Order (PDF format)

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