TBA Renews Judicial Campaign Code of Conduct Program

The TBA is renewing a program that invites judges and judicial candidates to agree to a campaign code aimed at preserving public faith in the integrity of the justice system. Announcing the effort today, TBA President Cindy Wyrick said, “Judicial elections are different. Judges must run on a pledge that they will conduct themselves in a fair and impartial manner if elected. A judicial candidate who might be asked to pre-judge a case or to comment on legal issues might have to step aside, or recuse himself or herself, if they already announced how they would rule.” The 2014 effort builds on the highly successful 2006 program, which saw 189 judicial candidates agree to abide by the code of conduct. Judicial candidates who agree to the Tennessee Fair Judicial Campaign Code of Conduct during this election cycle will be listed on the TBA's website, which also will include general information about judicial campaigns and a voter guide called “Judging Judges.” Watch for details coming soon.