Ind. Code. Jud. Cond. 4.3

As amended through September 20, 2024

Rule 4.3 - Activities of Candidates for Appointive Judicial Office

A candidate for appointment to judicial office may:

(A) communicate with the appointing or confirming authority, including any selection, screening, or nominating commission or similar agency;

(B) seek endorsements for the appointment from any person or organization other than a partisan political organization; and

(C) otherwise engage only in those political activities permissible at any time under Rule 4.1 for judges holding the type of judicial office sought.

Ind. Code. Jud. Cond. 4.3

Adopted effective 3/1/1993.

Comment

[1] When seeking support or endorsement, or when communicating directly with an appointing or confirming authority, a candidate for appointive judicial office must not make any pledges, promises, or commitments that are inconsistent with the impartial performance of the adjudicative duties of the office. See Rule 4.1(A)(13).

[2] Candidates for appointive judicial office may arrange for letters of recommendation to nominating commissions or the Governor in support of their candidacies from friends, relatives, colleagues, and other members of the candidate's community, including lawyers. However, a judicial candidate, particularly a judge seeking another judicial appointment, must be cautious about from whom and how these letters are obtained, and must not misuse the court's power.

[3] This Rule does not apply to a candidate for appointment to a judicial office subject to partisan or nonpartisan election.