Alabama Judicial Inquiry Commission Advisory Opinions
The Alabama Judicial Inquiry Commission (Commission) is not in any way affiliated with the Alabama State Bar (ASB). The Commission, established by the Alabama Constitution, is an independent entity under the State of Alabama’s judicial branch of government.
You can view the opinion index here.
The ASB is hosting the Commission’s judicial ethics advisory opinions as a service to the ASB’s members and the public. Any information herein is not legal advice and is provided for reference purposes only. Neither the Commission nor the ASB makes any representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of the Commission’s judicial ethics advisory opinions provided and shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever resulting from any use made of those advisory opinions.
Although the Alabama Canons of Judicial Ethics have the force of law, the advisory opinions of the Commission are rendered in connection with the ethical conduct of the judge and “are not binding and do not affect a party’s rights or remedies.” Ex parte Balogun, 516 So. 2d 606, 609 (Ala. 1987), abrogated on other ground, Ex parte Crawford, 686 So. 2d 196 (Ala. 1996).
The Commission’s staff is prohibited from answering any question regarding whether certain conduct by a judge violates the Canons–unless that question is asked by a judge. Under Rule 18, Rules of Procedure of the Judicial Inquiry Commission, the Commission may issue an advisory opinion only at the request of a judge and only with respect to the requesting judge’s own course of conduct. In addition, the Commission and its staff are prohibited by law from giving legal advice to anyone.
Additional information on the Judicial Inquiry Commission and their establishment, mission, authority, recent statistics, members and staff can be found by clicking here. Any questions regarding the procedures of the Commission or any comments regarding the Commission should be directed to the Commission at jic@jic.alabama.gov.