NCJ Number
166530
Journal
Judges' Journal Volume: 35 Issue: 4 Dated: (Fall 1996) Pages: 18-31
Date Published
1996
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the guidance that advisory committees have given judges in their attempts to balance their social and community commitments with the requirements of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Abstract
First, it covers the ethical limitations on a judge who accepts hospitality from attorneys. It advises that judges' socializing with attorneys is more likely to be appropriate if the cost of the event is consistent with community standards for similar events and is comparable to events sponsored by the bar association and to the judge's own entertaining. It is also more likely to be appropriate if there is a history or expectation of reciprocal social hospitality or the event is a traditional occasion of social hospitality, such as a holiday party or the opening of an office. Also described are the general rule that encourages a judge to participate in general bar association functions and the caveat to that rule that advises caution about involvement in specialty bar associations. The author provides examples of the limits on a judge's participation in charitable fundraisers and discusses guidelines for determining when a judge's attendance at a charitable function may raise questions about the judge's impartiality. Finally, the article discusses a judge's attendance at political gatherings, particularly programs about the justice system, inaugural events, and testimonials for public figures. 6 notes