Statutes, codes, and regulations
Kentucky Court Rules
Kentucky Rules of the Supreme CourtJudicial Conduct CommissionRule SCR 4.300 - Kentucky Code of Judicial Conduct
Canon 2 - A Judge Shall Perform the Duties of Judicial Office Impartially, Competently, and Diligently
Rule 2.4 - External Influences on Judicial Conduct

Ky. R. Sup. Ct. 2.4

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As amended through November 7, 2024
Rule 2.4 - External Influences on Judicial Conduct
(A)A judge shall not be swayed by public clamor or fear of criticism.
(B)A judge shall not permit family, social, political, financial, or other interests or relationships to influence the judge's judicial conduct or judgment.
(C)A judge shall not convey or permit others to convey the impression that any person or organization is in a position to influence the judge.

Ky. R. Sup. Ct. 2.4

Amended by Order 2018-17, eff. 11/29/2018; adopted by Order 2018-04, eff. 1/31/2018.

Comment

[1] An independent judiciary requires that judges decide cases according to the law* and facts, without regard to whether particular laws or litigants are popular or unpopular with the public, the media, government officials, or the judge's friends or family. Confidence in the judiciary is eroded if judicial decision making is perceived to be subject to inappropriate outside influences.