I'm not weighing in on the president's SOTU address comments about Citizens United or about Justice Alito's response (except to say that I'm glad Alito didn't "go Nino" on the president while cameras were rolling).
But that incident brought to mind a rule, or comment, or norm that says that because judges have limited means to defend themselves through public media, lawyers should criticize judges only in certain ways. Does that ring a bell with anyone? I've heard it quoted several times but can't put my finger on it.
Edit: Roy Simon, in the comments, was able to identify the language I was trying to recall:.
EC 8-6 of the old ABA Model Code. The NY version (which I think is about the same) said, in pertinent part: EC 8-6 ... Adjudicatory officials, not being wholly free to defend themselves, are entitled to receive the support of the bar against unjust criticism. While a lawyer as a citizen has a right to criticize such officials publicly, the lawyer should be certain of the merit of the complaint, use appropriate language, and avoid petty criticisms, for unrestrained and intemperate statements tend to lessen public confidence in our legal system. Criticisms motivated by reasons other than a desire to improve the legal system are not justified.