publications_unodc_commentary-e

4.11 Subject to the proper performance of judicial duties, ajudge may:4.11.1 write, lecture, teach and participate in activitiesconcerning the law, the legal system, the administrationof justice or related matters;CommentaryParticipation in community education156. A judge is in a unique position to contribute to the improvement of the law,the legal system, and the administration of justice, both within and outside thejudge’s jurisdiction. Such contributions may take the form of speaking, writing,teaching or participating in other extra-judicial activities. Provided that this does notdetract from the discharge of judicial obligations, and to the extent that time permits,a judge should be encouraged to undertake such activities.Participation in legal education157. A judge may contribute to legal and professional education by deliveringlectures, participating in conferences and seminars, judging student training hearingsand acting as an examiner. A judge may also contribute to legal literature as anauthor or editor. Such professional activities by judges are in the public interest andare to be encouraged. However, the judge should, where necessary, make it clearthat comments made in an educational forum are not intended as advisory opinionsor a commitment to a particular legal position in a court proceeding, particularlybecause judges do not express opinions or give advice on legal issues that are notproperly before a court. Until evidence is presented, argument heard and, whennecessary, research completed, a judge cannot weigh the competing evidence andarguments impartially, nor can he or she form a definitive judicial opinion. Prior toaccepting any compensation, the judge must satisfy himself or herself that theamount of compensation does not exceed the amount that another teacher who is nota judge would receive for comparable teaching responsibilities and is compatiblewith any constitutional or legal obligations governing the receipt of additionalremuneration.105