Learning Corner: Educational and Reference Materials

As a pilot project, we are developing some educational/reference materials on selected topics. They are not intended to replace or modify any published opinions.

These pages are intended to serve as a starting point for research. They are not necessarily a comprehensive listing of all opinions on the topic. Please contact the Advisory Committee for guidance if your facts are not identical to a published opinion.

We welcome your feedback on this approach and format.

Subject-Matter Topics

These pages collect some opinions on a particular theme.

1. Disciplinary Obligations
   • Chart: When Must a Judge Report a Lawyer (Dec 2024) - This chart lists prior opinions in which the Committee has mandated reporting (i.e., the only appropriate action was to report the lawyer) as well as certain other related materials.
   • Chart: When Must a Judge Report Another Judge (Dec 2024) This chart lists prior opinions in which the Committee has mandated reporting (i.e., the only appropriate action was to report another judge) as well as certain other related materials.
2. Judicial Speech
   • Judicial Speech Primer (Mar 2018) - Intended to provide a starting point for understanding some of the most common limitations on judicial speech. Please note it does not address participation in public advocacy activities, where the outcome may be highly fact-specific.
3. Extra-Judicial Activities
   • Civic and Charitable Extra-Judicial Activities (Jul 2017) - Some general principles and examples.
   • Holiday Reference Guide (Jul 2024) - a collection of prior opinions
4. Social Media
   • Social Media and Online Activity (Dec 2024) - a collection of prior opinions
5. Conflicts
   • Chart: Duties When Former Litigation Adversaries of the Judge or a Close Relative Appear (Jun 2020) - 
     NOTE: Opinion 21-22(A) now permits remittal of disqualification even when a litigant is unrepresented.
6. Additional themes and topics
   • VTL § 1174-a (Dec 2024) - a collection of opinions mentioning school bus stop-arm violation monitoring programs  
   • Ghostwriting and Behind-the-Scenes Legal Assistance (Mar 2023) - a collection of prior opinions
   • Unrepresented Litigants; Pro Bono and Reduced-Fee Legal Assistance (Dec 2024) - a collection of prior opinions
   • Coronavirus-Related opinions (Mar 2020-Jan 2022) - a collection of prior opinions
   • Disclosure of Reasons for Recusal & Judiciary Law § 9 (Jan 2021-May 2022) - a collection of opinions mentioning Judiciary Law § 9

Miscellaneous Reference Materials

• Part 100 Navigation Guide (May 2021)
• Ethics Reference Sheets (Mar 2023) - reference materials covering some common issues and recommendations regarding disqualification, ex parte communications, when to seek help, and more.
• Winding Down - Opinion Digests (Dec 2024) - a quick reference guide to help new full-time judges find potentially relevant opinions on selected issues related to winding down their law practice.