“I am convinced I was right in those cases and will make the same decision in similar cases in the future.”
A. I only
B. II only
C. I and II, but not III
D. I, II and III
Answer:A
“I am convinced I was right in those cases and will make the same decision in similar cases in the future.”
A. I only B. II only C. I and II, but not III D. I, II and III
Explanation: Under Canon 3(B)(10), “a judge shall not, with respect to cases, controversies or issues that are likely to come before the court, make pledges, promises or commitments that are inconsistent with the impartial performance of the adjudicative duties of the office.” Option “III” expressly makes a “pledge” on how Judge Johnson will vote in future cases. Option “II” likewise commits Judge Johnson’s vote – the issue is whether the inmates have a due process rights in prison disciplinary proceedings. Option II just slightly re-words that substantive issue and indicates the Judge’s “pledge” that an inmate is not entitled to due process (i.e., has lost civil liberties) in such proceedings. Option “I” mirrors the comments by Justice Scalia at the Pledge Rally. Nothing in the fact pattern indicates a pending or impending case, so there is no violation of Canon 3(B)(9). Accordingly, only Option “I” is proper and A is the correct answer.