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Williams-Yulee v. Florida Bar, 575 U.S. 433, 135 S.Ct. 1656, 191 L.Ed.2d 570, 83 USLW 4269, 15 Cal. Daily Op. Serv. 4085, 2015 Daily Journal D.A.R. 4721, 25 Fla. L. Weekly Fed. S 213

Facts

Lanell Williams-Yulee, an attorney in Florida, decided to run for a county court seat and sent out a letter soliciting campaign contributions. This action was in violation of Canon 7C(1) of the Florida Code of Judicial Conduct, which prohibits judicial candidates from personally soliciting campaign funds. The Florida Bar filed a complaint against her, leading to a disciplinary hearing where the referee recommended a public reprimand. The Florida Supreme Court adopted this recommendation, stating that the rule serves a compelling state interest.

Lanell Williams-Yulee, an attorney in Florida, decided to run for a county court seat and sent out a letter soliciting campaign contributions.

Issue

Does the First Amendment permit a state to prohibit judicial candidates from personally soliciting campaign funds?

Rule

The First Amendment allows states to impose restrictions on judicial candidates' speech if those restrictions are narrowly tailored to serve a compelling state interest.

Analysis

The court found that Florida's interest in maintaining public confidence in the integrity of its judiciary is compelling. It reasoned that personal solicitation by judicial candidates could undermine this confidence, as it creates an appearance of impropriety. The court concluded that Canon 7C(1) is narrowly tailored because it directly addresses the conduct most likely to undermine public confidence while allowing ample alternative means for candidates to raise funds.

The court found that Florida's interest in maintaining public confidence in the integrity of its judiciary is compelling.

Conclusion

The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the Florida Supreme Court's judgment, holding that the First Amendment permits the restriction on personal solicitation of campaign funds by judicial candidates.

Who won?

The Florida Bar prevailed in the case, as the court upheld the disciplinary action against Yulee, reinforcing the state's compelling interest in preserving judicial integrity.

The Florida Bar prevailed in the case, as the court upheld the disciplinary action against Yulee.

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