State of Washington
Ethics Advisory Committee
Opinion 00-12
00-12
Question
May a full-time district court judge serve as a part-time United States magistrate provided that is no conflict with the normal judicial functions?
A district court commissioner is also employed as a part-time United States magistrate. The judicial officer plans to run for a full-time district court judicial position.
The regularly scheduled federal sessions are held as night court and are in a separate federally-owned facility.
Answer
CJC Canon 2(A) provides in part that judges should respect and comply with the law and act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. RCW 3.34.040 provides in part that a full-time district court judge shall devote all of their time to the office. Finally, RCW 3.74.020 provides that full-time district court judges shall be ineligible for any other office or public employment other than a judicial office. Based on the foregoing, a full-time district court judge may also serve as a part-time United States magistrate provided there is no conflict with normal judicial duties and responsibilities.
Opinion 00-12
9/14/2000
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