The Committee on Judicial Ethics responds to written inquiries from New York state's approximately 3,400 judges, who serve both full- and part-time. The committee's opinions interpret the Rules Governing Judicial Conduct (22NYCRR, Part 100) and the Code of Judicial Conduct. The committee, comprised of 26 current and retired judges and headed by former Justice George D. Marlow, also answers inquiries about proper campaign conduct from candidates for elective judicial office. The New York Law Journal publishes selected recent opinions of the committee.
Digest: This responds to a judge's inquiry asking whether he or she may serve as Master of Ceremonies for an annual community parade sponsored by a non-profit organization. As Master of Ceremonies, he or she would introduce the parade participants, "banter" with the spectators, but would not be involved with any judging of the parade participants.
Opinion: It is ethically permissible to serve as Master of Ceremonies to the extent the judge indicated provided he or she does not engage in any fundraising activity or allow his or her name to be used in connection with any fundraising.
