Could an Illinois judge regularly discuss courts on radio or television?
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This page answers the general question as of 1998. Ask about yours and see what the current rules of professional conduct in your state say for your facts, with citations.
Plain-English summary
The Committee considered judges appearing on television or radio to discuss particular proceedings or general legal topics.
It concluded that former Rule 63A(6) barred public comments on the merits of a pending or impending proceeding in any court, including outside Illinois. A judge could explain administrative procedures or repeat, without elaboration, what appeared in a transcript, order, or written opinion.
The Committee also allowed occasional or regular media appearances on general court issues under former Rule 62B, provided the purpose was public explanation rather than advancing a broadcaster’s private interests.
Currency note
This opinion was issued in 1998 under the 1993 Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct. The Committee’s page says that Code was superseded on January 1, 2023, and does not assess the effect of the 2023 Code. Treat this page as historical context and verify the current Code before relying on its analysis.
Common questions
Q: Could a judge discuss general court procedures?
A: Yes. The opinion allowed general legal-system commentary.
Q: Could the judge explain a pending ruling beyond the record?
A: No. The Committee limited comments to procedure and already public record material without elaboration.
Q: Did the pending-case restriction apply outside Illinois?
A: Yes. The Committee read “any court” to include cases elsewhere.
Background and rules framework
The Committee applied former Illinois Supreme Court Rules 62B and 63A(6), citing IJEC Opinions 94-5 and 96-5 and In re Inquiry of Broadbelt, 683 A.2d 543 (N.J. 1996).
Citations and references
- Illinois Supreme Court Rules 62B and 63A(6).
- IJEC Opinions 94-5 and 96-5.
- In re Inquiry of Broadbelt, 683 A.2d 543 (N.J. 1996).
See also
Source
- Landing page: Illinois Judicial Ethics Committee Opinion 1998-10
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