Ky. R. Sup. Ct. 1.3
A judge shall not abuse the prestige of judicial office to advance the personal or economic interests* of the judge or others, or allow others to do so.
Ky. R. Sup. Ct. 1.3
Comment
[1] It is improper for a judge to use or attempt to use his or her position to gain personal advantage or deferential treatment of any kind. For example, it would be improper for a judge to allude to his or her judicial status to gain favorable treatment in encounters with traffic officials. Similarly, a judge must not use judicial letterhead to gain an advantage in conducting his or her personal business.
[2] A judge may provide a reference or recommendation for an individual based upon the judge's personal knowledge.* The judge may use official letterhead if the judge indicates that the reference is personal and if no likelihood exists that the use of the letterhead would reasonably be perceived as an attempt to exert pressure by reason of the judicial office.
[3] Judges may participate in the process of judicial selection by cooperating with appointing authorities and nominating commissions, and by responding to inquiries from such entities concerning the professional qualifications of a person being considered for judicial office.
[4] In contracts for publication of a judge's writing, the judge should retain sufficient control over the advertising to avoid exploitation of the judge's office in violation of this rule. A biography or description of the individual that includes office(s) currently or previously held is a communication of professional qualifications and is permitted by this rule.