Brennan Center for Justice

Raab v. State Commission on Judicial Conduct, Watson v. State Commision on Judicial Conduct
Fair Courts

In June 2003, New York’s highest court, the Court of Appeals, issued two rulings confirming the constitutionality of the state’s ethical canons for judges. The court held that active judges cannot engage in partisan politics, and also said that candidates for judicial office cannot make promises to voters that interfere with the impartial administration of justice. Two judges who had been disciplined for violating these rules argued unsuccessfully that the rules violated the First Amendment. The Center had filed an amicus brief urging the court to uphold the canons.

Litigation

• Brennan Center’s Amicus Brief
• Opinion: In re Raab
• Opinion: In re Watson

Press Center

• Press Release: High Court Upholds Rules of Judicial Ethics in Watson and Raab (June 10, 2003)
• Press Release: Center Files Brief Supporting Ethical Rules for Judges (April 22, 2003)