Canon 4. A judge may engage in activities to improve the law, the legal system, and the administration of justice

Canons of Judicial Ethics

Canon 4.

A judge may engage in activities to improve the law, the legal system, and the

administration of justice.

A judge, subject to the proper performance of his judicial duties, may engage in the

following quasi-judicial activities, if in doing so he does not cast doubt on his capacity to decide

impartially any issue that may come before him:

A.

He may speak, write, lecture, teach, and participate in other activities concerning

the law, the legal system, and the administration of justice.

B.

He may appear at a public hearing before an executive or legislative body or

official and may otherwise consult with an executive or legislative body or official on matters

concerning the law, the legal system, and the administration of justice.

C.

He may serve as a member, officer, or director of an organization or

governmental agency devoted to the improvement of the law, the legal system, or the

administration of justice. He may assist such an organization in raising funds and may

participate in their management and investment. He may make recommendations to public

and private fundgranting agencies on projects and programs concerning the law, the legal

system, and the administration of justice.

Commentary

As a judicial officer and person specially learned in the law, a judge is in a unique

position to contribute to the improvement of the law, the legal system, and the administration

of justice, including revision of substantive and procedural law and improvement of criminal

and juvenile justice. To the extent that his time permits, he is encouraged to do so, either

independently or through a bar association, judicial conference, or other organization

dedicated to the improvement of the law.

Extra-judicial activities are governed by Canon 5.