Three events over the past several months have brought to the forefront the matter of lawyers publicly criticizing judges.

First, in the wake of the reaction to U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas not disclosing perks and other financial assistance from wealthy individuals, fellow Associate Justice Samuel Alito noted the criticism coming from the bar and the failure of the bar to speak up for Thomas. Shortly afterward, Alito was himself the subject of criticism for accepting and not disclosing a trip to Alaska valued at $100,000 and provided by an individual with a later case before the Supreme Court.