Running for Justice of the Peace Re-election

Elected judges must adhere to strict codes of conduct during re-elections. They do not have the same Constitutional right of free speech as other candidates or citizens. Judges cannot comment on any public issues because it could affect the public’s perception on how a case would be decided. For example, a judge may not express an opinion about the fairness of an assessment from the judge’s homeowner’s association because the judge may decide cases about homeowner’s assessments. A judge cannot speak on behalf of other candidates who are running for office because a judge has a public perception of authority.

In Arizona and Pima County, the Justice of the Peace is a judge. In other States, the Justice of the Peace is known as the “magistrate.” This is the judge of the people. The Justice of the Peace decides law cases just like any judge. As a Justice of the Peace, Judge Segal has the responsibility to make sure that she doesn't speak about any type of matter that affects the community’s perception of her ability to be fair and impartial.