A judge may “actively oppose” the creation of a gated community in their neighborhood, including speaking at public hearings, wearing messaged apparel, and posting yard signs — if the actions remain purely pro se, the Judicial Ethics Advisory Council has concluded.

A September 17 JEAC Opinion, 2024-15, involves an inquiry about whether a judge may “actively oppose creation of a gated community in a portion of the judge’s neighborhood by communicating with government staffers and county officials, attending and speaking at public meetings or hearings, wearing messaged apparel, and posting a sign in the judge’s yard opposing the gated community.”

The opinion answers in the affirmative, “as long as the judge proceeds purely pro se, representing the judge and the judge’s interests only.”