Practical Guidelines On Use Of Social Media By Judges

The CEELI Institute has developed a set of guidelines for judges on appropriate behavior when using social media. Since there have been very few specific standards or guidance to date regarding these issues, judges often have to come up with their own individual solutions or approaches, which might lead them into situations involving conflicts of interest and ethical dilemmas. Our guidelines provide judges with a clear overview of the pros and cons of social media use and offer recommendations for how to use it safely. The publication focuses on the most popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and includes examples of social media misconduct that can compromise the independence, integrity, and impartiality of a judge. The guidelines are relevant to individual judges who are active on social media, as well as those responsible for setting national standards for judicial conduct.