ICC judges amend Code of Judicial Ethics on social media and enforceability
The International Criminal Court has amended its Code of Judicial Ethics, binding on sitting judges, to address social media conduct and to clarify that the code's standards are enforceable. The change took effect immediately on publication. This briefing sets out what the two amended articles now say and what it means for how judicial conduct is assessed.
- The revised Code of Judicial Ethics entered into force on 16 October 2026, upon publication on the ICC website.
- Judges agreed the amendments at a Judges' Retreat held on 29 September 2026, under regulation 126 of the Regulations of the Court.
- A new sub-paragraph 3 to article 10 requires judges to exercise caution when using social media and other information technologies.
- Article 12 now expressly states that the code's ethical standards are binding and that non-compliance may amount to misconduct.