Desa Ballard, an attorney practicing professional ethics, civil litigation, and licensing law in South Carolina, presented examples of judicial misconduct. Her presentation included violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct with examples ranging from sexual harassment to impartiality and social media blunders.

Judge Thomas W. Cooper, Jr. reviewed the five Judicial Canons. Judge Cooper's presentation further discussed Canon 3 regarding disqualification and recusal. Individuals bound by the Code of Judicial Conduct have a duty to disqualify if impartiality might be reasonably questioned. Judge Cooper provided examples of advisory opinions relating to impartiality.

Meghan Walker, Executive Director of the State Ethics Commission, discussed the State Ethics Reform Act. Ms. Walker reminded statement of economic interests filers that the reports are due by March 30th. She urged filers not to wait until March 30th to file due to system overload issues. Ms. Walker reminded filers that they are required to disclose both public and private sources of income, and encouraged filers to err on the side of over-disclosure. Her presentation also included information about recusal and requesting an advisory opinion. Recusals should be put in writing and stated on the record. Please see below for additional information regarding obtaining formal and informal advisory opinions.

Robert T. Bockman, an attorney and legal professor at the University of South Carolina, discussed the key elements of the Administrative Procedures Act. Mr. Bockman stressed the importance of following and complying with the procedures for rulemaking. He emphasized that we must know and understand its powers and further stressed the importance of agency staff members in order to ensure the administrative rules are followed.

Andrew Bateman, Counsel for the Office of Regulatory Staff, presented on ex parte communications. Ex parte communication is defined as: absent specific circumstances, nobody at the Commission can talk to any person, including ORS employees, about ANY issue in any proceeding or a matter that can reasonably be expected to become an issue in any proceeding without all parties in the case participating. Mr. Bateman used the catchphrase, "If it's gray, stay away" when referring to questionable communications.

The training included a video presentation by Dr. R. Gregg Dwyer, Associate Professor and Director of MUSC's Community and Public Safety Psychiatry Division. Dr. Dwyer discussed stress and mental health. His presentation included examples of biological and physical stress reactions, and coping strategies as a way to manage stress. Healthy ways to manage stress include: physical activity, rest and relaxation, social contact, and peer support.