Opinions Interpreting MCJC

The Michigan Code of Judicial Conduct [MCJC] became effective October 1, 1974; the opinions listed address conduct occurring after that date. Amendments to the MCJC addressing bias in the courts became effective October 1, 1993. Amendments to the MCJC affecting Canons 2, 4, 5, and 7 became effective August 1, 2013. For rules and opinions addressing conduct occurring prior to October 1, 1974, see the former Michigan Canons of Judicial Ethics. This table lists those ethics opinions that cite the respective provision of the MCJC. Opinions issued that cite the portions of Canons 2, 4, 5, and 7 that were amended as of August 1, 2013, are identified with reference to the Canon language that was in effect prior to August 1, 2013. View here language added and stricken by the amendments effective August 1, 2013.

Notice to Lawyers
State Bar of Michigan ethics opinions are advisory and non-binding in nature. This index is a complete historical catalog. Some of the listed ethics opinions, though not expressly superseded in subsequent ethics opinions, may be nonetheless outmoded or no longer sound due to subsequent changes in case law, statutes, or court rules. Practitioners are urged to thoroughly research all sources to determine the current validity of any given ethics opinion.