Rule 2.10 - Judicial Statements on Pending Proceedings and Impending Matters(A) Judges shall not make, on any pending proceeding or impending matter in any court, any public comment that might reasonably be expected to affect its outcome or impair its fairness or make any non-public comment that might substantially interfere with a fair trial or hearing. (B) Judges shall not, in connection with cases, controversies, or issues that are likely to come before the court, make promises or commitments that are inconsistent with the impartial performance of the adjudicative duties of judicial office. (C) Judges shall require court staff, court officials, and others subject to the judge's direction and control to refrain from making statements that the judge would be prohibited from making by Rule 2.10. (D) Notwithstanding the restrictions in Rule 2.10, a judge may make public statements in the course of official duties, may explain court procedures, and may comment on any proceeding in which the judge is a litigant in a personal capacity. Commentary:
[1] This Rule's restrictions on judicial speech are essential to the maintenance of the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary. The requirement that judges abstain from public comment regarding a pending proceeding or impending matter continues during any appellate process until final disposition.
[2] This Rule does not prohibit judges from commenting on proceedings in which the judge is a litigant in a personal capacity. In cases such as a writ of mandamus where a judge is a litigant in an official capacity, the judge shall not comment.
Ga. Code. Jud. Cond. 2.10
Adopted effective January 1, 2016.