Extra-judicial Activities in General

A judge, subject to the proper performance of judicial duties, may engage in the following law-related activities if in doing so the judge does not cast reasonable doubt on the capacity to decide impartially, independently and with integrity any issue that may come before the judge: (A) A judge may speak, write, lecture, teach, and participate in other activities concerning the law, the legal system, and the administration of justice (including projects directed to the drafting of legislation). Comment: In contracts for publication of a judge's writings, a judge should retain control over the advertising to avoid exploitation of the judge's office. (B) A judge may write, lecture, teach, and speak on non-legal subjects, and engage in the arts, sports, and other social and recreational activities, if such avocational activities do not detract from the dignity of the judge's office or interfere with the performance of the judge's judicial duties. Comment: Complete separation of a judge from extra-judicial activities is neither possible nor wise; a judge should not become isolated from the society in which the judge lives. (C) A judge may engage in activities to improve the law, the legal system, and the administration of justice. (D) A judge should not use judicial chambers, resources, or staff to engage in activities permitted by this Canon 3, except for uses that are de minimis.