In re Advisory Letter No. 7-11 of the Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Extrajudicial Activities

The figure of justice blindfolded, holding a scale equally balanced, is a common feature atop many courthouses. That symbol carries a simple message — all stand before the law as equals, and justice will be administered fairly and impartially. If the public is to keep faith in the ideals represented by that symbol, then it must have complete confidence in the integrity of the judges who administer our system of justice. That confidence will come only when judges are above reproach and suspicion in the eyes of those *66who appear in their courtrooms. Appearances matter when justice is dispensed,…