Is it proper or improper for a clerk to tell a friend that the judge is sensitive to defendants who have children who are not good drivers because his son has a heavy foot, to influence a driving safety course decision?

• A. Improper
• B. Proper
• C. Both
• D. Neither

Answer: (A)

Influence on a court decision must come from relevant facts, rules, and established procedures, not from personal connections or private beliefs. When a clerk tells a friend that a judge is sensitive to defendants who have children who aren’t good drivers because the judge’s own son has a heavy foot, it’s trying to shape a driving safety course decision by hinting at the judge’s potential biases. That use of personal life and relationships to sway outcomes undermines fairness and impartiality, which are essential to the judicial process. It also breaches professional boundaries and confidentiality, since it spreads information that could be used to manipulate a decision rather than relying on evidence and policy.

Because of these issues, this behavior is improper. It isn’t about how the decision should be made on the merits; it’s about leveraging personal information to influence the outcome. If such conduct is observed, the proper course is to refrain from participating and report it to uphold a fair, rule-based process.