HARRISBURG (PRNewswire) – Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today that he has appointed Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge Charles J. Cunningham, of Philadelphia, to the Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board.
“For more than 30 years, Judge Cunningham has been a respected member of the state’s legal community,” said Governor Rendell. “He brings an unabating reverence for Pennsylvania’s judiciary, and his experience as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, and judge will make him a strong addition to the Board, ensuring the highest ethical standards for our courts.”
In February 2005, Governor Rendell nominated Cunningham to the Court of Common Pleas, which was unanimously confirmed by the state Senate. Judge Cunningham subsequently won his election bid in November of that year.
From 1997 to 2003, Cunningham sat on the Disciplinary Board of Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court, serving as vice chairman in 2002 and chairman in 2003.
The 12-member Judicial Conduct Board investigates allegations of ethical misconduct brought against Pennsylvania judges. If necessary, it also prepares and brings cases to the Court of Judicial Discipline against those judges accused of unethical activity.
Three board members are judges, three are lawyers, and six are non- lawyers. Half of the Board members are chosen by the Governor, with the balance being appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Members serve 4- year terms, without pay, and must be Pennsylvania citizens.
For more information on the Judicial Conduct Board, visit http://www.judicialconductboardofpa.org/.