Rule 8.2. Judicial and Legal Officials

 

Colorado Court Rules
Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct

Maintaining the Integrity of the Profession

As amended through Rule Change 2018(6), effective April 12, 2018

(a) A lawyer shall not make a statement that the lawyer knows to be false or with reckless disregard as to its truth or falsity concerning the qualifications or integrity of a judge, adjudicatory officer or public legal officer or of a candidate for election, or appointment to, or retention in, judicial or legal office.

(b) A lawyer who is a candidate for retention in judicial office shall comply with the applicable provisions of the Code of Judicial Conduct.

Cite as RPC 8.2

History. Entire Appendix repealed and readopted April 12, 2007, effective January 1, 2008.

Note:

COMMENT

[1] Assessments by lawyers are relied on in evaluating the professional or personal fitness of persons being considered for election or appointment to judicial office and to public legal offices, such as attorney general, prosecuting attorney and public defender. Expressing honest and candid opinions on such matters contributes to improving the administration of justice. Conversely, false statements by a lawyer can unfairly undermine public confidence in the administration of justice.

[2] When a lawyer seeks judicial office, the lawyer should be bound by applicable limitations on political activity.

[3] To maintain the fair and independent administration of justice, lawyers are encouraged to continue traditional efforts to defend judges and courts unjustly criticized.