State of Washington

Ethics Advisory Committee

Question

May a superior court judge accept an appointment on the county mental health advisory board?

Answer

Our answer is premised on the following representations provided to the Committee: 1) membership on the county mental health advisory board is by appointment by the county executive; and 2) the object of the board is to provide advice and recommendations to the county residents relative to the county mental health care programs, represent and advocate for client constituencies in various county communities, review biennial program plans and budgets, and conduct public hearings.

A judge may not accept an appointment on the county mental health board as CJC Canon 5(G) states that a judge should not accept appointment to a governmental committee, commission, or other position that is concerned with issues of fact or policy on matters other than the improvement of the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice.

Opinion 88-02

03/11/1988