The etiquette around lowering the flag to half-staff is pretty settled. Civics class teaches the President of the United States and the governor of a State can order the lowering of a flag to half-mast. The mayor of the District of Columbia and some heads of federal agencies over their specific departments may as well. Any other order is not recognized as appropriate and in contradiction of proper etiquette and respect for the flag. Another means should have been selected as an appropriate response to the legacy of the magistrate.