TN · rules
Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 8, RPC 8.2
Judicial and Legal Officials
(a) A lawyer shall not make a statement that the lawyer knows to be false or that is made with reckless disregard as to its truth or falsity concerning the qualifications or integrity of the following persons:
(1) a judge;
(2) an adjudicatory officer or public legal officer; or
(3) a candidate for election or appointment to judicial or legal office.
(b) A lawyer who is a candidate for judicial office shall comply with the applicable provisions of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
History
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 is 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 and to responsibly speak out when necessary to prevent or rectify injustice or to promote needed improvements in the judicial system. DEFINITIONAL CROSS-REFERENCES "Knows" See RPC 1.0(f)
Provenance
- Source
- www.tncourts.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-09-17
- Edition
- 2026-09-16
- Content hash
f31db1c47a862f4df80ae260bfd2cfc294ac0ae7a4c3e835a017a039d6de787b
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