State of Washington

Ethics Advisory Committee

Opinion 84-01

Question

Whether a district court judge’s spouse’s position as a member of a municipal board of park commissioners creates a conflict of interest which requires the district court judge to disqualify himself from hearing all cases involving the municipality?

Answer

It is not necessary under CJC Canon 3C and Canon 2B for a judge to disqualify himself from all cases involving a municipality because of his spouse’s position as a member of a municipal board of park commissioners. However, under CJC Canon 3C he should recuse himself in all matters which come before him relating to the park board and its activities.

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 84-1—CJC Canon 3(C) became 3(D).

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 2.2
CJC 2.11(A)

Opinion 84-01

05/23/1984

 

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