Ethics rules applicable to attorneys generally prohibit ex parte communications with judges in active cases. Literally, the term means “on one side only”, and the rule against ex parte communications is rooted in fundamental fairness. If a judge is to be an impartial arbiter, he or she must hear both sides of an argument to make a fair and informed decision. One need only look to the current political rhetoric from the presidential candidates to see that hearing only one side of the story can be misleading – – and dangerous.
— BBC&B