2009-18 (Emergency Staff Opinion issued June 1, 2009)
Event, attendance/appearance; Civic Activities; Speaking; Canon 5

Issue: May a Judicial Official attend and speak at a non-political, non-fundraising, flag-raising ceremony to mark the beginning of an annual cultural celebration?

Emergency Staff Opinion: The Judicial Official was advised that participation was not improper under the circumstances. Under Canon 5 (a) and (b), judges may participate in civic activities and may speak on nonlegal subjects provided that the activities do not reflect adversely upon the judge’s impartiality, interfere with the performance of his or her judicial duties, or detract from the dignity of the judicial office. Participation in this type of cultural celebration does not appear to violate Canon 5. In rendering this opinion, staff considered New York Opinions 98-37 and 00-102.