Connecticut Committee on Judicial Ethics
Informal Opinion Summaries
2008-16 (November 20, 2008)
Social Activities; Appearance of Impropriety;
Ordinary Social Hospitality; Canons 2 & 5
Issue:
May a
Judicial Official attend a small family law firm’s
five-hour holiday party on board a river boat cruise
ship?
Response:
Based upon the facts presented, including that (1)
the holiday party was by invitation only, (2)
invitations were issued only to small family law
firms, their guests and select Judicial Officials,
(3) the party was sponsored/coordinated by family
law attorneys with active court appearances, (4) it
was likely that those attending the party would have
cases pending before the invited Judicial Officials,
and (5) the party was aboard a cruise ship and,
therefore, if a Judicial Official believed that the
nature of the event became compromising (i.e.,
created an appearance of impropriety), it would not
be possible to leave, the Committee unanimously
determined that attendance was not permitted.
Committee on Judicial Ethics