CREEDS FOR INTEGRITY AND PROFESSIONALISM IN JUDICIAL ELECTIONS
("JUDICIAL ELECTION CREEDS")

These Creeds have been developed, consistent with the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct and the Texas Judicial Campaign Fairness Act, to promote and ensure the continuance of the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in the conduct of judicial elections.

Judicial integrity and independence of the judiciary in complying with the law are indispensable to justice.

As a judge or judicial candidate I hold a responsibility to promote the establishment, maintenance and preservation of judicial integrity and the independence of the judiciary by upholding the law and preserving the public trust and confidence in the justice system and by adhering to these principles in all matters concerning judicial elections.

1. I will not, either expressly or impliedly, seek or accept any means of campaign support from attorneys while they are present in my courtroom or at the courthouse.

2. I will not seek funds nor will I publish endorsements for my election or re-election prior to the commencement date for judicial campaign fundraising set forth in the Texas Election Code.

3. I will not, either expressly or impliedly, provide, offer to provide, or suggest that I will render special treatment, either beneficial or adverse, to any attorney or party based on their decision to provide or withhold campaign support.

4. I will fairly, impartially and objectively exercise my duties and responsibilities as a judge toward all attorneys and parties, regardless of their party affiliation or support or any relationship with me.

5. I will conduct my campaign for election or re-election to the judiciary in accordance with the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct and the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act, and in conformity with this Creed for Integrity and Professionalism in Judicial Elections.

6. I will not use information in connection with my election or re-election that I know to be false or materially deceptive.

7. I will treat other candidates for the position I seek in a judicial election or re-election with respect and dignity.

8. I will refrain from using irrelevant facts or issues to assess a contending candidate's character, qualifications or ability to serve as a judge.

9. I will not, with respect to cases, controversies or issues that are likely to come before the court, make pledges, promises or commitments that I believe are inconsistent with the impartial performance of the adjudicative duties of elected office.

10. I will not use any title that any of my supporters may have as a past, present or future officer or director of the Dallas Bar Association or Chair of any Dallas Bar Association committee or section in connection with my campaign for election or re-election.

11. I will support the Judicial Election Creeds and work to encourage others to conduct judicial elections in accordance with the Judicial Election Creeds. I will openly support the Judicial Election Creeds in my campaign. Such support may be demonstrated by the use of the following statement in my campaign literature:

This Campaign is conducted in accordance with the Judicial Election Creeds.

Judicial integrity and independence of the judiciary in complying with the law are indispensable to justice.

As an attorney supporting a judge or judicial candidate, I hold a responsibility to promote the establishment, maintenance and preservation of judicial integrity and the independence of the judiciary by upholding the law and preserving the public trust and confidence in the justice system and by adhering to these principles in all matters concerning judicial elections.

1. I will not, either expressly or impliedly, make offers to provide campaign support, through financial contributions or otherwise, to a judge while I am present in the judge's courtroom or at the courthouse.

2. I will not contribute funds to a candidate for election or re-election to the judiciary prior to the commencement date for judicial campaign fundraising set forth in the Texas Election Code.

3. I will not seek, accept or expect special accommodations or preferred treatment from any member of the judiciary in connection with making or offering to make, directly or indirectly, campaign contributions or otherwise supporting a judge or candidate for election or re-election to the judiciary.

4. I will not represent to clients, prospective clients or to the public that I am entitled to or may receive special accommodation or privileges because of my support of or contributions to a judge or candidate for the judiciary in the election process or my relationship with a judge or candidate.

5. I will encourage all judges and candidates for a judicial election to conduct campaigns for election or re-election to the judiciary in accordance with the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct and the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act, and in conformity with this Creed for Integrity and Professionalism in Judicial Elections.

6. I will not use or encourage a candidate to use information in connection with the candidate's election or re-election that I know to be false or materially deceptive.

7. I will treat judges and candidates in a judicial election with respect and dignity.

8. I will refrain from using irrelevant facts or issues to assess a judge's or candidate's character, qualifications or ability to serve as a judge.

9. I will not ask a judge or candidate for judicial election, with respect to cases, controversies or issues that are likely to come before the court, to make pledges, promises or commitments that I believe are inconsistent with the impartial performance of the adjudicative duties of elected office.

10. I will not use or give approval to use any title that I may have as a past, present or future officer or director of the Dallas Bar Association or Chair of any Dallas Bar Association committee or section in connection with a candidate's campaign for election or re-election.

11. I will not cause or seek to cause any relationship I may have with a judge or judicial candidate to interfere with that person acting with objectivity toward me in connection with judicial proceedings.

12. I will support the Judicial Election Creeds and work to encourage others to conduct judicial elections in accordance with the Judicial Election Creeds.