The New York Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics has issued an opinion stating that a judge who is not in the window period for election or re-election is prohibited from speaking at events hosted by political clubs.
The opinion addresses a judge’s inquiry about the ethical implications of speaking at a meeting held by a political club concerning the work conducted at a community-based problem-solving court where the judge presides.
The proposed presentation would be educational and informative, steering clear of political debate. However, the committee clarified that judges outside their election or re-election window are barred from attending politically sponsored events, regardless of whether the purpose is non-political. This restriction extends to speaking engagements about the legal system or any other topic at events organized by political organizations, unless the judge is a candidate seeking re-election.
The committee noted that judges can still educate the public about problem-solving courts at appropriate venues. These include neighborhood or community events sponsored by not-for-profit educational, religious, charitable, cultural, fraternal, or civic organizations.
The opinion references several prior opinions as authorities supporting its conclusion. This guidance ensures that judges maintain impartiality and avoid even the appearance of political influence outside their designated election periods.
