A judge presiding over criminal cases may attend a softball game between the county sheriff’s office and the police, where the event proceeds will be shared by both teams, the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee held on November 28.

“[T]he inquiring judge’s mere attendance at the game would be permissible so long as the judge’s attendance is neither promoted, advertised, or made a focal point during the game,” stated Opinion Number: 2023-11. “While attending the game, Canon 2A requires the judge to act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity of the judiciary.”

The panel’s opinion reaches beyond the confines of a softball game and extends more broadly to fundraisers, vigils, and fallen officer ceremonies. In addition to Florida Judicial Conduct Cannon 2A, it references Canon 5A, 5B, and 5C, as well as prior advisory opinions from 1992, 1995, 1998, and 2019.