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Join the conference to delve into the crucial topic of ethics in public service, presented by Seana Willing, Chief Disciplinary Counsel at the State Bar of Texas. Explore the ethical dilemmas faced by public officials, the erosion of public trust, and the importance of upholding legal and ethical standards in governance. Learn to distinguish between legal rights and moral responsibilities, as Justice Potter Stewart famously said, and understand the impact of misconduct on public perception. Discover the key principles of ethical conduct, the consequences of ethical violations, and the significance of character in public service. Don't miss this opportunity to raise awareness and promote integrity in public office.
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ETHICS IN PUBLIC SERVICE South Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association 2019 Annual Conference San Antonio, TX
PRESENTED BY SEANA WILLING Chief Disciplinary Counsel State Bar of Texas Seana.Willing@TEXASBAR.COM
GOT ETHICS? “Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do.” • Justice Potter Stewart United States Supreme Court 1958-1981
CONDUCT THAT ERODES PUBLIC TRUST/BRINGS PUBLIC DISCREDIT • CRIMINAL CONDUCT • CONDUCT THAT VIOLATES OTHER LAWS • UNETHICAL CONDUCT • APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY
CRIMINAL CONDUCT • ABUSE OF OFFICE • ABUSE OF OFFICIAL CAPACITY • OFFICIAL OPPRESSION • MISUSE OF OFFICIAL INFORMATION • BRIBERY AND CORRUPT INFLUENCE • COERSION • TAMPERING WITH WITNESS • GIFT • HONORARIUM • OBSTRUCTION OR RETALIATION
CRIMINAL CONDUCT • ELECTION CODE VIOLATIONS (Yes…criminal offenses in most cases) • OPEN MEETINGS VIOLATIONS • FRAUD, THEFT, AND OTHER CRIMES OF MORAL TURPITUDE • TAMPERING WITH GOVERNMENT RECORD • PERJURY • DWI/DUI/PUBLIC INTOXICATION
CONDUCT THAT VIOLATES OTHER LAWS • SEXUAL HARASSMENT • DISCRIMINATION • RETALIATION
UNETHICAL CONDUCT • VIOLATION OF CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT • VIOLATION OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST • FAILURE TO DISQUALIFY/RECUSE WHEN APPROPRIATE
APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY • CONDUCT MAY NOT BE ILLEGAL OR UNETHICAL PER SE, BUT APPEARS TO THE PUBLIC TO BE IMPROPER • INFLAMATORY/CONTROVERSIAL POSTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA • LOSING PATIENCE/TEMPER AND/OR USING PROFANITY OR DEROGATORY LANGUAGE DURING PUBLIC MEETING • CERTAIN POLITICAL ACTIVITY
CHARACTER COUNTS “We judge ourselves by our best intentions and most noble acts but we will be judged by our last worst act.” • Michael Josephson
CHARACTER COUNTS • Government affects us directly on a daily basis • Don’t be content with moderately decent behavior from public officials • Even a few instances of bad behavior from public officials can do a lot of harm