State of Washington

Ethics Advisory Committee

Question

Is it proper for a superior court judge to be listed as a sponsor of a reception honoring successful and unsuccessful Asian candidates for non-partisan offices such as mayor and school board member?

Answer

The Code of Judicial Conduct does not prohibit a judge from acting as a sponsor of a reception intended to honor successful and unsuccessful Asian candidates for non-partisan offices providing the reception does not have as one of its purposes the solicitation of funds for the candidates or others.

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 1.2 CJC 1.3 CJC 3.1 CJC 4.1(A)

Opinion 87-12

12/8/1987