The International Criminal Court
This Code of Judicial Ethics was initially adopted by the judges on 9 March 2005. It was mended by the judges on 19 January 2021 and 16 September 2022, with the amendments entering into force upon its publication on 27 January 2021 and 7 October 2022, respectively.
Preamble
Article 1 Adoption of the Code
Article 2 Use of terms
Article 3 Judicial independence
Article 4 Impartiality
Article 5 Integrity
Article 6 Confidentiality
Article 7 Diligence
Article 8 Loyalty
Article 9 Conduct during proceedings
Article 10 Public expression and association
Article 11 Extra-judicial activity
Article 12 Observance of the Code
Preamble
The judges of the International Criminal Court;
Noting the solemn undertaking required by article 45 of the Rome Statute of the International
Criminal Court (the “Statute”) and rule 5 (1) (a) of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence (the
“Rules”);
Recalling the principles concerning judicial independence, impartiality and proper conduct
specified in the Statute and the Rules;
Recognising the need for guidelines of general application to contribute to judicial
independence and impartiality and with a view to ensuring the legitimacy and effectiveness of
the international judicial process;
Having regard to the United Nations Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary
(1985) and other international and national rules and standards relating to judicial conduct;
Mindful of the international character of the Court and the special challenges facing the
judges of the Court in the performance of their responsibilities;
Have agreed to amend the Code of Judicial Ethics as follows :