Statutes, codes, and regulations
Maryland Court Rules
Title 18 - Judges and Judicial AppointeesChapter 100 - Maryland Code of Judicial Conduct
Rules Governing Extrajudicial Activity
Rule 18-103.3 - Testifying as a Character Witness (Aba 3.3)

Md. R. Jud. & Judi. Appts. 18-103.3

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As amended through November 13, 2024
Rule 18-103.3 - Testifying as a Character Witness (Aba 3.3)

Except when duly subpoenaed, a judge shall not testify as a character witness in a judicial, administrative, or other adjudicatory proceeding or otherwise vouch for the character of a person in a legal proceeding.

Md. R. Jud. & Judi. Appts. 18-103.3

This Rule is derived from former Rule 3.3 of Rule 16-813(2016).

Adopted June 6, 2016, eff. 7/1/2016.

COMMENT

[1] A judge who, without being subpoenaed, testifies as a character witness abuses the prestige of judicial office to advance the interests of another. See Rule 18-101.3. Except in unusual circumstances where the demands of justice require, a judge should discourage a party from requiring the judge to testify as a character witness.

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