State of Washington

Ethics Advisory Committee

Question

May a superior court judge serve as a member of the board of directors or as an officer of a nonprofit Washington corporation concerned with the prevention of child abuse and neglect?

Answer

Our answer is premised on the following representations made to the committee: 1) the purpose of the charitable corporation include the dissemination of information and referral services, including community awareness and in-service training regarding child abuse and neglect, program development and maintenance, coordination among agencies involved in the child abuse and neglect case process, as well as advocacy for children's rights; and 2) one of the activities of the corporation is to promote and support legislation, including telephone and letter contact with local legislators, deemed to be helpful to the overall goals of the corporation.

Based on these representations, it is not proper under CJC Canon 5(B)(1) for a superior court judge to serve on the board of directors or be a member of this organization as the activities required may have political significance or could imply a commitment to a cause which is likely to come before the judge.

Opinion 88-09

05/24/1988