May a judge give a speech at a rally sponsored by a local counseling center that is favorable to and appreciative of those working to make the city safe against rape? Answer: No, not under the facts in this case.

Is a judge disqualified to hear a criminal case when the assistant district attorney who has handled the pretrial motions has informed the judge that she intends to qualify to run against the judge in an upcoming primary election? Answer: No, absent additional facts or circumstances that either cause the judge to harbor a personal bias or prejudice in the case or that create a reasonable question as to the judge’s impartiality.

May a judge accept an invitation by a local bank to an annual outing to which dozens of public officials, church and community leaders, and friends of the bank are also invited? Answer: Yes, under the facts presented.

May a judge co-host an informative presentation concerning the Women’s Fund, a new component of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham? Answer: Yes, so long as the judge’s participation does not reflect adversely upon her impartiality or interfere with the performance other judicial duties.

May a judge use the State of Alabama Unified Judicial System seal above the judge’s name and address as part of the letterhead for the judge’s reelection campaign stationery? Answer: No, use of the seal would improperly create an appearance that official stationery is being used for campaign purposes.

May a judge promise not to report campaign conduct or material in violation of the Canons of Judicial Ethics to the Judicial Inquiry Commission, the State Bar, or other committee or tribunal? Answer: No.

May a judge voluntarily communicate with another judge or a probation officer as a character witness in connection with apending sentence proceeding? Answer: No, but the judge may testify if summoned or respond to a request for information made by an appropriate agency.

CIVIC & CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

DISQUALIFICATION: REASONABLE PERCEPTION OF BIAS OR PREJUDICE AGAINST ATTORNEY ALLEGED IN MOTION TO RECUSE

EMPLOYMENT OF A MUNICIPAL JUDGE TO REPRESENT THE MUNICIPALITY IN A LAWSUIT