Matter of Randolph

This case raises questions concerning the proper balance of a public employee’s First Amendment rights of freedom of expression and association with the performance of the public’s business. It is necessary to state at the outset what this case is not about, and what it is about. The case is not about a neighborhood housewife serving on a PTA who wishes to work in the court system. The case is primarily about a holder of three appointed political offices who wants to remain active in other branches of government while serving as a courtroom officer. One of the great reforms of the judicial…