Opinion 14-125

October 17, 2014

PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL

Dear :

         This responds to your inquiry (14-125) asking whether it is ethically permissible to write an article in a local quarterly magazine on the workings and jurisdiction of the local justice courts.

         A judge may speak, write, lecture, teach and participate in other activities concerning the law, the legal system and the administration of justice (22 NYCRR 100.4[B]). Accordingly, you may write articles on the law as long as this extra-judicial activity does not interfere with your official duties; does not cast doubt on your impartiality; and does not impermissibly refer to any particular pending or impending matter (i.e. matters which have not been finally resolved and the time for appeal has not been exhausted) (see 22 NYCRR 100.3[B][8]).

         Enclosed, for your convenience, are Opinions 13-06; 10-153; 90-123/90-133; 89-68; and 88-133 which address this issue.

                                       Very truly yours,

George D. Marlow, Assoc. Justice

Appellate Division, First Dept. (Ret.)

Committee Chair

Encls.