Judicial Officer Compliance
All full-time judicial officers governed by the Arizona Code of Judicial Administration section 1-302, shall complete at least 16 credit hours of judicial education each calendar year, including ethics training and attendance at an annual judicial conference.
Judicial officers must attend training of regional or national scope at least once every 3 years.
Training completed for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit may qualify for COJET credit.
New full time judges shall complete judicial training requirements according to a prorated scheduled. Required training shall include orientation and ethics:
- January – March minimum of 12 credit hours
- April – June minimum of 8 credit hours
- July – September minimum of 4 credit hours
- October – December minimum of orientation, ethics
REQUIREMENTS FOR JUDGES: Consult the ACJA Section 1-302, I. for guidance on specific requirements for the following:
· Appellate Court Judges
· Superior Court Judges
· Judges of Limited Jurisdiction Courts
· Civil Traffic/Small Claims Hearing Officers
· Judges Pro tempore (Limited and Superior Court Pro Tems)
Individual Compliance Reports: Per calendar year, judges file individual compliance reports with their designated training coordinator in accordance with local policies and procedures. The local training coordinator maintains records of compliance.
Temporary Exemptions: A judge may request an exemption from compliance when unable to complete required training due to one of the following temporary circumstances: medical, physical conditions preventing active participation in education programs, extended and approved leave of absence, military leave, extended jury duty; and if the judge has made a good faith effort to obtain training prior to the request. The following individuals may grant an exemption from compliance:
- Chief Justice or Chief Judge
- Presiding Judge of the Superior Court in each county
- Authorized designee