Judicial speech.

As a retired judge and winner of two judicial elections, I question the efficacy of Canon 7C(1) of the Code of Judicial Conduct.

If a candidate improperly solicits contributions, by threats or by promises, for example, it is the candidate who must respond.

Under 7C(1), the candidate can replace the agent and, like Pilate, wash his or her hands of the misdeed.

The Florida Supreme Court asserts that, while impacting the First Amendment, the canon promotes the state's compelling interest in...