Formal Opinions
CJEO publishes formal written advisory opinions that address judicial ethics topics of interest to the judiciary and the public (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 9.80(i)(2); CJEO rule 6 (b).)
Judicial officers and judicial candidates may request a formal opinion and members of the public and entities may suggest topics to be addressed by the committee in a formal written opinion (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 9.80(i)(1); CJEO rule 6 (a).) The names and identifying information of those requesting a formal opinion, suggesting a topic for the same, or whose conduct is the subject of a formal opinion are not disclosed in the formal opinions. The committee has discretion to publish opinions on any subject it deems appropriate and to determine the form of any opinion or advice it provides. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 9.80(i)(1) & (j)(1).)
The committee invites the public to comment on draft formal opinions that the committee posts on this website prior to determining whether to approve the final formal opinions it publishes.
Formal Opinions Listed by Year
2026
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2026-032: Ethical Considerations When Appointing the Spouse of a Judicial Colleague as Minor's Counsel
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2026-031: Disclosure and Disqualification Considerations Regarding Former Judicial Mentees in the California Judicial Mentor Program
2025
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2025-030: Participation in Inns of Court
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2025-028: Disqualification and Disclosure Requirements Under the Racial Justice Act
2024
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2024-027: Public Comment on a Pending Proceeding in Connection with a Judicial Election or Recall Campaign
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2024-025: Responding to Attorney Misconduct
2023
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2023-024: Accepting Invitations to Law Firm Celebrations
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2023-023: Guidelines for Hosting Educational Presentations by Outside Speakers and Groups
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2023-022: Guidelines for Presiding Judges When Transmitting Courtwide Communications to Colleagues
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2023-021: Disqualification Obligations of a Trial Judge Based on Prior Judicial Involvement in Criminal Trial Court Proceedings
2022
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2022-020: Judicial Consultations with Other Judges
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2022-019: Disqualification and Disclosure Obligations When Coaching Youth Sports
2021
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2021-018: Providing Feedback on Attorney Courtroom Performance
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2021-017: Providing Close Family Members with Advice that Implicates Legal Issues
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2021-016: Independent Investigation of Information Contained in Electronic Court CMSs
2020
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2020-015: Supervising Judge’s Duties When a Party Complains About a Judge in a Pending Matter
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2020-014: Judicial Participation in Public Demonstrations and Rallies
2019
2018
2017
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2017-011: Judicial Service on a Nonprofit Charter School Board
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2017-010: Extrajudicial Involvement in Marijuana Enterprises
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2017-009: Judges Meeting with Vendors
2016
2015
2014
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2014-006: Judicial Comment at Public Hearings and Consultation with Public Officials and Other Branches of Government
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2014-005: Accepting Gifts of Little or Nominal Value Under The Ordinary Social Hospitality Exception
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2014-004: Judicial Screening of Ex Parte Applications for Non-Domestic-Violence Emergency Family Law Orders
2013
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2013-003: Disqualification Based on Judicial Campaign Contributions From a Lawyer in the Proceeding
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2013-002: Disclosure on the Record When There is No Court Reporter or Electronic Record of the Proceedings
- CJEO Formal Opinion 2013-001: Requesting Assistance from Attorneys