The California Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions (CJEO) has issued advice about whether a judge may review, critique, or comment on legal education books written by others. The committee also advised whether a judge who has not authored or contributed to the book may write a "blurb" to be included on the book’s cover. In CJEO Expedited Opinion 2022-048, the committee concludes a judge may review, critique, or comment on legal education books or writings in legal publications—such as legal periodicals or newsletters—for educational purposes related to the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice.
“There is a great tradition of judges commenting on books and articles written by others. Robust academic discussion helps further the law and our profession, which is to be encouraged. The purpose of this opinion is to provide guidance on the line between permissible educational discourse and impermissible marketing,” said committee member Justice Judith Haller.
The DJ's story is No judge quotes as blurbs on book covers, says judicial ethics committee
Speaking of books (another legal edutainment), see 2022 Silver Gavels go to book by Anita Hill, documentary about trailblazer Pauli Murray.
SCAN can vouch for the Amazon documentary: My Name is Pauli Murray
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