Opinion 25-69

May 15, 2025

Facts/Issue:  A judge asks if it is ethically permissible to speak at a meeting hosted by a political club regarding the work performed at the community-based problem-solving court where the judge presides.  The presentation would be educational and informative, and would not involve political debate.

Discussion:   A judge outside his/her window period for election or re-election to judicial office may not attend politically sponsored events, even for a non-political purpose.  Thus, we have advised that a judge may not speak about the legal system or any other topic at an event sponsored by a political organization unless the judge is a candidate for re-election.

                   We note that the judge may of course educate the public about problem-solving courts in appropriate venues, such as at neighborhood or community events sponsored by not-for-profit educational, religious, charitable, cultural, fraternal or civic organizations.  

Conclusion:  A judge who is not within his/her window period may not speak at an event hosted by a political club.

Authorities:  Opinions 24-46; 19-129; 17-83; 97-35; 88-136; 88-32.