State of Washington

Ethics Advisory Committee

Question

If a judicial officer were not responsible for the sale of individual tickets, would a judicial officer be allowed to serve as chair for a fundraising event for a civic organization?

Answer

CJC Canon 5(B)(2) prohibits a judicial officer from engaging in any fundraising activities; therefore, it would not be proper for a judicial officer to chair a fundraising event for a civic organization.

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 91-9 -- The language of CJC Canon 5(B)has been modified. 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 3.7(A) and (B)

Opinion 91-09

5/2/1991