Matter of Westfall

We should proceed very carefully when we are asked to censor or to censure political speech. Words spoken about an opinion by a judge who is subject to the periodic scrutiny of the voters, by an elected prosecuting attorney and potential candi*840date, relating to an important criminal matter, epitomize political expression.

The words were spoken during an interview with a television reporter. These reporters fire streams of questions, using the responses they deem most newsworthy. These are often the most vivid.1 Such give and take is a part of the political process, and should not be discouraged…