Judges: Stay Out Of The Lobby

The Delaware Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee has opined that lobbying and judging do not mix:

Lobbying is political in nature. The purpose of registering as a lobbyist is to promote the interests of a client by influencing the legislature. A paid lobbyist may be required to participate in political gatherings and fundraisers, which judicial officers may not attend. Representing a client as a lobbyist, for compensation, is incompatible with the ethical constraints accepted by judicial officers.

Judges may properly lobby the legislature on behalf of measures to improve the administration of justice. (Mike Frisch)