Statutes, codes, and regulations
Tennessee Court Rules
Tennessee Rules of the Supreme CourtRule 10 - Code of Judicial Conduct
Canon 3 - A JUDGE SHALL CONDUCT THE JUDGE'S PERSONAL AND EXTRAJUDICIAL ACTIVITIES TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF CONFLICT WITH THE OBLIGATIONS OF JUDICIAL OFFICE
Rule 3.3 - Testifying as a Character Witness

Tenn. R. Sup. Ct. 3.3

Download
PDF
As amended through November 4, 2024
Rule 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.

Tenn. R. Sup. Ct. 3.3

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 RJC 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.