California Supreme Court Approves New Judicial Ethics Rule and Attorney Conduct Changes
The California Supreme Court has approved new rule 9.81 of the California Rules of Court, which will govern the composition, duties, and procedures of the Supreme Court’s Advisory Committee on the Code of Judicial Ethics. This committee, established in 1995, provides recommendations to the court regarding amendments to the California Code of Judicial Ethics. The new rule formalizes the committee's membership requirements, terms of service, and procedures, mandating at least one annual meeting. Additionally, the court approved several changes to the California Rules of Court and Rules of Professional Conduct for attorneys. These changes include requiring attorneys to annually reaffirm their oath to conduct themselves with dignity, courtesy, and integrity, and to uphold the U.S. and California Constitutions. Another approved amendment prohibits attorneys from soliciting subjects of domestic violence restraining orders before formal service, preventing them from receiving advance notice.
