State of Washington

Ethics Advisory Committee

Question

Is it proper for a district court judge or magistrate to serve on the board of directors of an organization which is intended to coordinate the fulfillment of community service obligations of defendants by putting the defendant in touch with the appropriate agency wishing to receive community service help?

Answer

It is not proper under CJC Canon 2(B) for a district court judge or magistrate to serve on the board of directors of an organization which is intended to coordinated the fulfillment of community service obligations of defendants by putting the defendants in touch with the appropriate agency wishing to receive community service help since it may create the appearance of partiality.

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 3.1

Opinion 87-06

10/23/1987