RESPONSE TO NEWS MEDIA INQUIRIES
Opinion No. 95 (1987)*
QUESTION: May a justice of the peace respond to news media inquiries
concerning inquest proceedings prior to a final ruling on the death certificate?
ANSWER: Canon 3A(8) states,
"A judge shall abstain from public comment about a pending or impending proceeding in
any court...." Canon 3A(8) does permit a judge to explain court procedure. The
Committee is of the opinion that a news media inquiry about the court's procedure may be
answered. However, the committee is of the opinion that it would be unethical to discuss
the facts or other aspects of the case with the news media during the investigation, or
while the matter is pending in his court or any other court.
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*Canon 3A(8) was amended effective December 19, 1989.