State of Washington

Ethics Advisory Committee

Question

Is it proper for a part-time municipal court judge to become a candidate for an uncompensated nonpartisan school board position in a school district outside the municipality in which the part-time judge sits?

Answer

It is not proper under CJC Canon 7(A)(3) for a part-time judge to continue in his judicial position while a candidate for the school board even though said district is outside the municipality in which the part-time judge sits.

NOTE: Effective June 23, 1995, the Supreme Court amended the Code of Judicial Conduct. In addition to reviewing the ethics advisory opinions, the following should be noted: Opinion 85-8—CJC Canon 7(A)(3) became 7(A)(4). The Supreme Court adopted a new Code of Judicial Conduct effective January 1, 2011. In addition to reviewing the ethics advisory opinions, the following should be noted: CJC Application II Terminology Section “Part-time judge” CJC 4.5(A)

Opinion 85-08

10/1/1985