Alabama Canons of Judicial Ethics
Canon 4. A judge may engage in activities to improve the law, the legal system, and the administration of justice.
A judge, subject to the proper performance of his judicial duties, may engage in the following quasi-judicial activities, if in doing so he does not cast doubt on his capacity to decide impartially any issue that may come before him:
A. He may speak, write, lecture, teach, and participate in other activities concerning the law, the legal system, and the administration of justice.
B. He may appear at a public hearing before an executive or legislative body or official and may otherwise consult with an executive or legislative body or official on matters concerning the law, the legal system, and the administration of justice.
C. He may serve as a member, officer, or director of an organization or governmental agency devoted to the improvement of the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice. He may assist such an organization in raising funds and may participate in their management and investment. He may make recommendations to public and private fundgranting agencies on projects and programs concerning the law, the legal system, and the administration of justice.
Commentary
As a judicial officer and person specially learned in the law, a judge is in a unique position to contribute to the improvement of the law, the legal system, and the administration of justice, including revision of substantive and procedural law and improvement of criminal and juvenile justice. To the extent that his time permits, he is encouraged to do so, either independently or through a bar association, judicial conference, or other organization dedicated to the improvement of the law.
Extra-judicial activities are governed by Canon 5.
