Government Ethics in Judicial Administration

This presentation provides an in-depth look at ethical responsibilities within judicial administration, specifically for municipal court clerks. Participants will explore the definition and principles of ethics, learn to recognize common ethical dilemmas, and apply standards from the Georgia Clerk’s Code of Conduct. Topics include confidentiality, impartiality, conflicts of interest, financial integrity, and the boundaries of providing information versus legal advice. Real-world scenarios and examples will help clerks develop sound judgment when faced with ethical decisions in the workplace.

Learning Objectives:

1. Define ethics and explain its relevance in judicial administration and the professional conduct expected of court clerks.
2. Identify and apply the ethical principles outlined in the Georgia Clerk’s Code of Conduct, including lawfulness, impartiality, confidentiality, and integrity.
3. Recognize common ethical dilemmas clerks may face and evaluate appropriate responses to avoid conflicts of interest or appearances of impropriety.
4. Distinguish between providing information and giving legal advice, and understand the legal limitations of a clerk’s role in communicating with the public.
5. Apply ethical standards when using social media and accepting gifts, in accordance with court policies and ethical canons.
6. Use a structured approach to ethical decision-making, including fact gathering, evaluating options, and testing decisions against professional standards