Nevada Judiciary

Judicial Conduct Code Commission Schedules January Meeting

The Nevada Judicial Conduct Code Commission completed its preliminary review of the 2007 ABA Model Code of Judicial Conduct at its December meeting. After an exhaustive evaluation of the ABA’s work, the Commission is recommending adoption of the 2007 ABA Model Code in Nevada with few significant changes. Drafts of the proposed new Judicial Canons and Rules are posted on the Commission's website.

The Commission’s recommended modifications focus on those portions of the ABA Model Code deemed contrary to Nevada law, custom, or practice. Of particular significance are the provisions relating to political and campaign conduct set forth in Canon 4 (numbered Canon 5 in the existing Nevada Code). Here, the Commission proposes to retain the current Nevada Code and deviate from the Model Code on three key topics: (1) permit Nevada judges to personally solicit campaign contributions; (2) ban solicitation of campaign contributions by unopposed candidates; and (3) eliminate time limits on political and campaign activity except for soliciting campaign contributions. In addition, the Commission proposes to relax the restrictions of Model Rule 3.7 on judges who participate in activities sponsored by charitable or civic organizations and allow judges to become involved in more events.

A final meeting is planned for January 29th to review of the Application Section of the Model Code and a few other outstanding issues. Following the January meeting, the Commission’s final report will be submitted to the Nevada Supreme Court.

All Commission meetings are open to the public. Judges, lawyers, and interested members of the public are encouraged to submit comments and concerns to the Commission about the current Nevada Code of Judicial Conduct, the 2007 ABA Model Code of Conduct, and the Commission’s proposed new Canons and Rules for Nevada. Let the Commission know what you are thinking by emailing a comment. You may also This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it comments to Commission Secretary Janice Frayo at 201 S. Carson Street, Suite 250, Carson City, Nevada 89701.

Commission meetings are video-conferenced between the Nevada Supreme Court's Las Vegas and Carson City courtrooms. All meetings start at 9:30 a.m. and adjourn at 4:30 p.m. If you wish to present public comment at a meeting, check the meeting agenda for the specific time set for public comment.