Opinion 25-158

November 6, 2025

Facts/Issue:    A criminal court judge has been invited by the local police department to tour its youth program and speak about the judge’s career path and childhood, including personal experiences as a survivor of child abuse and of academic and socio-economic adversity.  The audience will be middle-school & high school students from participating schools and community groups.  The event is not a fund-raiser and is sponsored by a not-for-profit charitable foundation that “provides resources for [police] to innovate and enhance the quality of its services; build bridges with the community; and make [it] a safer place to live, work and visit.”

Discussion:     A judge generally may speak, lecture, and teach where such activities will not interfere with the proper performance of judicial duties nor cast reasonable doubt on the judge’s capacity to act impartially as a judge.  Where those criteria are met, we have said a judge may speak about his/her personal experiences and career path at a variety of forums, including those associated with law enforcement.  On the facts presented, we conclude that the judge may participate.

Conclusion:     A judge may speak about the law, the judge’s personal experiences and career path at a youth program sponsored by a law enforcement organization, subject to generally applicable limitations.

Authorities:    Opinions 24-85; 23-92; 10-74.