Statutes, codes, and regulations
Iowa Court Rules
Chapter 51 - Iowa Code of Judicial Conduct
Canon 3 - A JUDGE SHALL CONDUCT THE JUDGE'S PERSONAL AND EXTRAJUDJCLAL ACTLVLTLES TO MLNLMLZE THE RISK OF CONFLICT WITH THE OBLIGATIONS OF JUDICIAL OFFICE
Rule 51:3.3 - TESTIFYING AS A CHARACTER WITNESS

Iowa Code. Jud. Cond. 51:3.3

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As amended through September 9, 2024
Rule 51:3.3 - TESTIFYING AS A CHARACTER WITNESS

A judge shall not testify as a character witness in a judicial, administrative, or other adjudicatory proceeding or otherwise vouch for the character of a person in a legal proceeding, except when duly subpoenaed.

Iowa. Code. Jud. Cond. 51:3.3

Court Order April 30, 2010, effective 5/3/2010.

Comment

[1] A judge who, without being subpoenaed, testifies as a character witness abuses the prestige of judicial office to advance the interests of another. See rule 51:1.3. Except in unusual circumstances where the demands of justice require, a judge should discourage a party from requiring the judge to testify as a character witness.