Should presiding judges be able to send communications at the requests of government agencies, bar associations or private interest groups? A state committee wants to know your answer.
The California Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions released a draft formal opinion for attorneys to give feedback on until March 23.
The draft opinion says that presiding judges should be able to send communications about administrative and policy developments at the requests of outside groups, as long as the communication does not undermine judicial impartiality, suggest special influence, advance personal or financial interests, contain political content or relates to specific cases before the court.
“Presiding judges are encouraged to keep their courts informed and engaged in the legal community. This opinion provides helpful guidance about factors to keep in mind when disseminating information at the request of outside groups, so the public maintains confidence in the court as fair and impartial,” said San Diego Superior Judge Robert Trentacosta, who serves on the committee, in a press release.
Riverside Commissioner Belinda Handy and Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Two, Justice Douglas Miller both sit on the committee.
Comments may be submitted by the committee’s website, by email to Judicial.Ethics@jud.ca.gov, or by mail to The Supreme Court of California Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions, 350 McAllister St., San Francisco, Ca, 94102.
Read the full draft opinion here.
