N.h. R. Sup. Ct. 4.2

As amended through December 30, 2024

Rule 4.2 - Judicial Candidates

(A) A candidate for judicial office:

(1) shall maintain the dignity appropriate for judicial office and act in a manner consistent with the impartiality, integrity and independence of the judiciary, and shall encourage members of the candidate's family to adhere to the same standards of political conduct in support of the candidate as apply to candidate; and

(2) shall not:

(a) with respect to cases, controversies, or issues that are likely to come before the court, make pledges, promises or commitments that are inconsistent with the impartial performance of the adjudicative duties of the office; or

(b) knowingly misrepresent the identity, qualifications, present position or other fact concerning the candidate or any other candidate or potential candidate.

N.h. R. Sup. Ct. 4.2

Comment

[1] Section 4.2(A) prohibits a candidate for judicial office from making statements that commit the candidate regarding cases, controversies or issues likely to come before the court. As a corollary, a candidate should emphasize in any public statement the candidate's duty to uphold the law regardless of his or her personal views. See also Section 2.10, the general rule on public comment by judges. Section 4.2(A)(2) does not prohibit a candidate from making pledges or promises respecting improvements in court administration. Nor does this Section prohibit an incumbent judge from making private statements to other judges or court personnel in the performance of judicial duties. This Section applies to any statement made in the process of securing judicial office, such as statements to commissions charged with recommending judicial selection and executive officials and bodies charged with nominating or confirming appointment. See also Rule 8.2 of the NH Rules of Professional Conduct.

[2] This section is not intended to prohibit a judge from attending a candidates' night to which all candidates for a particular office have been invited.