Nov. 23, 2010
Judicial College Offers Judicial Ethics/New Media Course
A Supreme Court of Ohio Judicial College video teleconference on Dec. 17 will help judges navigate the world of new media while complying with rules that regulate the judicial and extrajudicial activities of judges. The seminar also will include a judicial ethics update.
Faculty and attendees will discuss and analyze the use of technology, new media, and social media (Facebook, Twitter, Google, blogging) by judges and courts under the Code of Judicial Conduct in the following areas:
- Independence and the integrity of the judiciary
- Public statements on pending and impending cases
- Independent investigation of facts or evidence
- External influences on judicial conduct
- Use of non-public information
- Appearance of impropriety
- Ex parte communications
- Impartiality and fairness
- Extrajudicial activities
- Disqualification
Released in August, a first-ever nationwide survey on the impact of new media on the judiciary noted that more than a third of state court judges and magistrates responding said they have used social media either in their personal or professional lives. But the survey also found that nearly half of the judges who responded disagreed when asked if a judge – in a professional capacity – could participate in social networking sites without compromising ethical codes of conduct.
Jonathan Coughlan, Disciplinary Counsel; Jonathan Marshall, Board of Commissioners on Grievances & Discipline Secretary; and Chris Davey, Public Information Director; will serve as course faculty.
Twenty viewing locations around the state have been identified as options to participate in the video teleconference. Click here to register.
The Judicial College, an office within the Supreme Court, was created in 1976 to help judges meet their mandatory education requirements. It is partially funded by attendee registration fees and federal grants.
Contact: Chris Davey or Bret Crow, 614.387.9250.