Utah R. Prof. Cond. 3.5

As amended through October 28, 2024

Rule 3.5 - Impartiality and Decorum of the Tribunal

A lawyer shall not:

(a) seek to influence a judge, juror, prospective juror or other official by means prohibited by law; or

(b) communicate ex parte in an adversary proceeding as to the merits of the case with a judge, juror, prospective juror or court official during the proceeding, prior to full discharge of that person's duties in the proceeding, unless authorized to do so by law, rule or court order;

(c) communicate with a juror or prospective juror after discharge of the jury if:

(1) the communication is prohibited by law, rule or court order;

(2) the juror has made known to the lawyer a desire not to communicate; or

(3) the communication involves misrepresentation, coercion, duress or harassment; or

(d) engage in conduct intended to disrupt a tribunal.

Utah. R. Prof. Cond. 3.5

Amended effective 11/1/2017; amended March 29, 2019, effective 5/1/2019.

Comment

(1) Many forms of improper influence upon a tribunal are proscribed by criminal law. Others are specified in the Utah Code of Judicial Conduct, with which an advocate should be familiar. A lawyer is required to avoid contributing to a violation of such provisions.

(2) During a proceeding a lawyer may not communicate ex parte with persons serving in an official capacity in the proceeding, such as judges, masters or jurors, unless authorized to do so by law, rule or court order.

(2a) Paragraph (b) of Utah Rule 3.5 differs from the ABA Model Rule by inclusion of the qualifying phrases "in an adversary proceeding," "as to the merits" and "prior to full discharge of that person's duties in the proceeding." In the interest of fairness and impartiality, these additional qualifications give the practitioner more guidance and more clearly define the types of ex parte communications that are prohibited. Consistent with treatment elsewhere in these Rules, the exceptions stated in paragraphs (b) and (c)(1) of the Utah Rule also include "by rule" where the ABA Model Rule does not.

(3) A lawyer may on occasion want to communicate with a juror or prospective juror after the jury has been discharged. The lawyer may do so unless the communication is prohibited by law, rule or a court order but must respect the desire of the juror not to talk with the lawyer. The lawyer may not engage in improper conduct during the communication.

(4) The advocate's function is to present evidence and argument so that the cause may be decided according to law. Refraining from abusive or obstreperous conduct is a corollary of the advocate's right to speak on behalf of litigants. A lawyer may stand firm against abuse by a judge but should avoid reciprocation; the judge's default is no justification for similar dereliction by an advocate. An advocate can present the cause, protect the record for subsequent review and preserve professional integrity by patient firmness no less effectively than by belligerence or theatrics.

(5) The duty to refrain from disruptive conduct applies to any proceedings of a tribunal, including a deposition. See Rule 1.0(q).