State of Washington
Ethics Advisory Committee
Opinion 98-02
98-02
Question
May a judicial officer speak out for or against a statewide initiative which would repeal governmental affirmative action?
The WSBA Board of Governors has determined the initiative involves the administration of justice; therefore, the WSBA Board of Governors can take a position on the initiative.
Answer
CJC Canon 7(A)(5) provides that judicial officers should not engage in any other political activity except on behalf of measures to improve the law, the legal system or the administration of justice. Because this statewide ballot measure is not concerned with the administration of justice a judicial officer may not comment on the merits of the initiative.
Also see Opinion 89-11.
Opinion 98-02
3/31/1998
|
