May a Judge Also Be an Actor?

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Summary of Article: A case this week before the New Jersey Supreme Court is whether a municipal judge may keep his other paying job as an actor and stand-up comic. The judge, Vince Sicari, performs as a longtime comedian under the separate name of Vince August. He argues that he can keep the two jobs separate. The State ethics committee argued that it is an impermissible conflict. 

Discussion Outline with Kids:

• What is a judge? A judge is someone who interprets the law for people. For instance, if a policeman gives you a ticket for driving too fast and you believe were driving fine, a  judge will decide who is right. A municipal judge is a particular type of judge who sees the most common problems (e.g., traffic fines, disorderly conduct, as opposed to corporate law suits).
• What is an actor and comedian? What types of jokes do they make or types of characters do they play? (Sometimes jokes that make fun of people; sometimes they play bad guy characters)
• In New Jersey, there is a man who has two jobs: he is a judge and he is an actor/comedian. Who does an actor/comedian perform for? Who does a judge decide cases for? What could be a potential conflict here?  
• If you were trying to get the Judge to stop his other job, what would you argue?Some people say that since this judge is also an actor who makes bad jokes or plays bad guys, the people who come to him as a judge may be confused as to who he really is. They may feel he is not impartial. (Explain what this word means and why it is important for a judge to be impartial).
• If you were Judge Sicari what would you argue? He argues that he doesn't make enough money and doesn't get health benefits as a judge. He needs his other jobs. 
• Who do you think should win?