Making public statements in the local restaurant about persons running for city council is proper or improper?

Making public statements in the local restaurant about persons running for city council is proper or improper?

• A. Cannot be determined
• B. Improper
• C. Proper
• D. Depends

Answer: (B)

This is improper because people who hold judicial or court-related roles must avoid political campaigning or public endorsements to maintain the appearance and reality of impartiality. Speaking in a public place like a restaurant about candidates for city council counts as political activity and could be seen as using your official position or influence to support or oppose someone. That undermines public confidence in the fairness of the judiciary and creates the appearance of bias, which is exactly what should be avoided. Therefore, making such statements in that setting is not appropriate.

This is improper because people who hold judicial or court-related roles must avoid political campaigning or public endorsements to maintain the appearance and reality of impartiality. Speaking in a public place like a restaurant about candidates for city council counts as political activity and could be seen as using your official position or influence to support or oppose someone. That undermines public confidence in the fairness of the judiciary and creates the appearance of bias, which is exactly what should be avoided. Therefore, making such statements in that setting is not appropriate.