Md. R. Jud. & Judi. Appts. 18-203.3

As amended through October 15, 2024

Rule 18-203.3 - Testifying as a Character Witness

Except when duly subpoenaed, a judicial appointee 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.

This Rule is derived from former Rule 3.3 of Rule 16-814(2016).

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

COMMENT

[1] A judicial appointee who, without being subpoenaed, testifies as a character witness abuses the prestige of the position to advance the interests of another. See Rule 18-201.3. Except in unusual circumstances where the demands of justice require, a judicial appointee should discourage a party from requiring the judicial appointee to testify as a character witness.