Vol. 6, Issue 1 │ Summer 2026

A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMITTEE:

Judicial participation in community outreach activities “should be considered an official judicial function,” but knowing where the ethical lines fall is essential. This issue breaks down what the California Code of Judicial Ethics allows, so judges can step off the bench and into their communities with confidence.

(Left to right) Justice Ronald B. Robie, Chair, and Justice Douglas P. Miller, Vice-Chair

IN THIS ISSUE

Recent CJEO Opinions
Judicial Outreach: Where Ethics and Extrajudicial Engagement Meet
Thoughts from the Bench: Judicial Participation in Community Outreach
Farewell to Judge Erica R. Yew (Ret.)
New Member Spotlight: Judge Frederick S. Chung
CJEO in the News

RECENT CJEO OPINIONS

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT CJEO'S ANNOTATED CODE OF JUDICIAL ETHICS.

The California Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics (CJEO) has created and maintains a one-of-a-kind resource for anyone searching for disciplinary decisions relating to judicial ethics in California. On the CJEO website, you can view the California Code of Judicial Ethics annotated with disciplinary decisions by the Commission on Judicial Performance (CJP). CJEO’s website features an instructional video on how to use this tool.

Judicial Outreach: Where Ethics and Extrajudicial Engagement Meet

Judicial officers enjoy the unique opportunity to positively impact their communities whether on or off the bench. Among the many benefits of judicial engagement beyond the bench is the chance it creates for the public to receive firsthand insights into the law and the legal system from those who understand them best. The California Judicial Conduct Handbook (Handbook) acknowledges that benefit and suggests judicial officers, as public officials, have “a duty to help educate the public about the judicial branch.” The Standards of Judicial Administration support this notion as well. Specifically, standard 10.5 provides that “[j]udicial participation in community outreach activities should be considered an official judicial function to promote public understanding of and confidence in the administration of justice.” Read on for the full article.

Thoughts from the Bench: Judicial Participation in Community Outreach

Committee staff sat down with judges throughout the state to discuss judicial participation in community engagement. Their enthusiasm for the subject was contagious. “I could discuss outreach all day long!” said Judge Julia Alloggiamento. We won’t take all day, but we do consider some of the highlights. “To me, being engaged in the community is to come out from behind the bench and the black robe; to demystify who we are, and show that we are only human,” says Superior Court of Sacramento Judge Bunmi O. Awoniyi. Read on for more perspectives.

Farewell to Judge Erica R. Yew (Ret.)

Judge Erica Yew served on the Santa Clara County Superior Court from 2001 until her retirement in early 2026, becoming the first Asian American woman appointed to that bench. Judge Yew built a distinguished judicial career marked by leadership in judicial ethics, access to justice, collaborative courts, and judicial administration throughout California. In May 2019, the California Supreme Court appointed Judge Yew to CJEO, reflecting her recognized expertise in judicial ethics. She remained a member of CJEO until her retirement. Following her retirement from the bench, Judge Yew became the chief executive officer of American Leadership Forum Silicon Valley.

Judge Yew has held numerous statewide leadership roles, including president of the California Judges Association, chair of the California Commission on Judicial Performance, member of the Judicial Council of California, member of the California Access to Justice Commission, and board member of the National Center for State Courts. She also cochaired Governor Gavin Newsom’s California Judicial Mentor Program and helped advance judicial wellness initiatives statewide. Her many honors include the Santa Clara County Bar Association’s Outstanding Jurist of the Year Award (2016), the Judicial Council of California Distinguished Service Award (2017), and the Drum Major Award from the African American Community Service Agency in recognition of her community leadership and public service.

It was a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside Judge Yew. Both her valuable insight and ready smile will be greatly missed.

New Member Spotlight: Judge Frederick S. Chung

Meet CJEO’s newest committee member, Judge Frederick S. Chung. The California Supreme Court appointed Judge Chung to the committee as of February 2026. Judge Chung has served on the Superior Court of Santa Clara County since 2018, where he has presided over matters in the Criminal, Civil, Juvenile Dependency, and Appellate Divisions. He currently serves as assistant supervising judge of the Civil Division and has held several court leadership roles, including service on the court’s Executive Committee, Rules Committee, and Personnel Committee. Judge Chung has also been a strong advocate for access to justice, previously serving as chair of the Self-Represented Litigants Committee. Throughout his judicial career, he has taught judicial ethics and civil law education programs for judges and attorneys, including presentations regarding online conduct and best practices for working with court staff.

The committee warmly welcomes Judge Chung to CJEO and looks forward to his thoughtful contributions and leadership in advancing judicial ethics education and guidance throughout California.

CJEO IN THE NEWS

Ethics Body Issues Advisory Opinion on Contributions to Judicial Campaigns—Metropolitan News-Enterprise
Ethics committee issues guidance on judges’ mentorship conflicts—Daily Journal
Ethics panel says court commissioners may solicit peers in judicial campaigns—Daily Journal

About Us

CJEO is an independent California Supreme Court committee of 12 judicial officers, appointed by the Court, with delegated constitutional authority to issue opinions on judicial ethics. These ethics advisory opinions are for the benefit of the judiciary and members of the public. CJEO accepts requests for ethics opinions from judicial officers and candidates for judicial office. CJEO also welcomes suggestions from the public on judicial ethics topics that are of general interest and importance to the community.

CJEO committee meeting, February 2026. In-person from left: Staff Counsel Jennifer Caballero, Judge Frederick S. Chung, Judge Robert J. Trentacosta, Justice Shama Hakim Mesiwala, Justice Ronald B. Robie (committee chair), Justice Marla J. Miller, and Chief Counsel Jody Vakili. On screen from top left: Commissioner Belinda A. Handy, Judge D. Brett Bianco, Justice Douglas P. Miller (committee vice-chair), Judge Samantha P. Jessner, Judge Michael T. Garcia (Ret.), and Justice Judith L. Haller (Ret.). Not pictured: Judge George J. Abdallah, Jr.

CJEO opinions go through a lengthy collaborative writing process, which usually includes a public comment period before finalization and publication. For quick, informal responses to questions about the Code of Judicial Ethics, judicial officers and candidates may contact the California Judges Association (CJA) Ethics Hotline.

Direct Line: 916-239-4068
Toll free: 866-432-1CJA (1252)
Email: info@caljudges.org

Monday–Friday, 9a.m. to 5p.m., excluding holidays. Please see the CJA website for more information.

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