Notice – Judiciary Policy on Judges’ Use of Social Media

              The Supreme Court has approved the attached Judiciary Policy on Judges’ Use of Social Media. The policy applies to all judges (state judges and municipal court judges) and is effective immediately.   

             Social media serves as a powerful platform for communication, enabling individuals to share information, connect with others, and engage in global discussions.  Social media continues to evolve with new features and ever-changing technology.  Judges should not be prohibited from using social media, so long as they use it in a manner consistent with the Code of Judicial Conduct and other Judiciary policies.  This policy sets forth the general parameters for judges’ use of social media and will help judges navigate these complex and constantly evolving communication platforms. In their use of social media, judges must maintain the impartiality, integrity, and independence of the Judiciary and must avoid the appearance of impropriety.  

NEW JERSEY JUDICIARY POLICY ON JUDGES’ USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA 

As Issued by the Supreme Court October 28, 2024 

             Judges are permitted to use social media provided that use is in accordance with New Jersey’s Code of Judicial Conduct.  This policy is intended to be read together with the Code of Judicial Conduct.  In other words, judges’ use of social media will be evaluated under the same standards as all other conduct by judges.  Any statement by a judge, no matter on what platform or in what forum the statement is made, should be respectful, dignified, and should not undermine the public confidence in the impartiality, integrity, or independence of the Judiciary.  

Accordingly, in using social media, a judge shall not: 

1. Engage in ex parte communications concerning a pending or impending judicial proceeding.
2. Comment on any pending or impending proceeding in any court.
3. Make inappropriate remarks about litigants, lawyers, or court personnel.
4. Disclose information acquired in a judicial capacity for any purpose not related to judicial duties.
5. Lend the prestige of the Judiciary or the judge’s office to advance the personal, economic, or charitable interests of the judge or others, or allow others to do so, or convey or permit others to convey the impression that any person or organization is in a position to influence the judge.
6. Engage in conduct that manifests bias or prejudice on any of the bases specified in Canon 3, Rule 3.6(A), or harassment, including but not limited to bias, prejudice or harassment on the bases of gender, race, ethnicity, religion or creed.
7. Engage in any political activity, including, but not limited to, commenting on controversial or political matters.
8. Engage in conduct or use obscenities or derogatory language that might undermine public confidence in the Judiciary.
9. Engage in conduct on social media that is inconsistent with the Code of Judicial Conduct.