WA · rules
Wash. R. Prof'l Conduct 8.2
Judicial and Legal Officials
(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, integrity, or record of a judge,
adjudicatory officer or public legal officer, or of 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
[Adopted effective September 1, 1985; Amended effective September 1, 2006.] 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. [Comments adopted effective September 1, 2006.]
Provenance
- Source
- www.courts.wa.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-09-16
- Edition
- 2026-09-16
- Content hash
ca62c1c9c0c0b14baf6585b7b3c5badd958432b5e611a44c7c21b72893c0348f
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