In case you missed this news, the ban on Florida’s judicial candidates personally soliciting for campaign contributions has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in a 5-4 decision.

An article from The Florida Bar News reports on the decision, stemming from a 2009 judicial candidacy by Lanell Williams-Yulee, who filed early for a Hillsborough County judgeship. At the time, she was the only person who submitted papers, which allowed her campaign to begin raising funds. Eventually, the incumbent for that judgeship also filed and ultimately won reelection. Yulee sent out a personally signed letter to prospective donors requesting campaign donations. Florida Judicial Canon 7C(1) requires that judges and judicial candidates create a committee to seek contributions and prohibits personal solicitations.

Yulee was prosecuted by the Bar after the election for violating Bar Rule 4-8.2(b), requiring lawyers who are judicial candidates to follow Florida’s Code of Judicial Conduct. 

“A state may assure its people that judges will apply the law without fear or favor — and without having personally asked anyone for money. We affirm the judgment of the Florida Supreme Court,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the court’s majority.

You can read the full article here.