According to Above the Law, Judge James Ho of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit used an opinion to complain about people who accuse judges of auditioning for promotions. The legal news site describes the opinion as a “whine” and says the episode brings the Streisand Effect to the Fifth Circuit.
The Streisand Effect occurs when an attempt to suppress or rebut criticism ends up amplifying it. By addressing the accusation inside an official judicial opinion, Ho may have given the charge more visibility than it would otherwise have received.
The episode highlights the unusual position of judges who respond to professional speculation through formal legal writings. Above the Law’s framing suggests the opinion is notable less for its legal analysis than for its personal grievance.