Connecticut Committee on Judicial Ethics
Informal Opinion Summaries
2009-32 (October 7, 2009)
Event, attendance/appearance; Awards & Honors;
Fundraiser; Canon 5
Issue:
May a Judicial Official
be recognized by an advocacy organization as one of
the 100 most influential community leaders in
Connecticut?
Response:
A Judicial Official
has inquired about the propriety of being recognized
by an advocacy organization as one of the 100 most
influential community leaders in Connecticut. The
recognition will take place during the
organization’s annual convention. This Committee has
previously expressed its opinion regarding
participation in fundraising events. See JE 2009-09
(speaking at a legal aid breakfast); JE 2009-11
(award recipient at a nonprofit fundraising dinner);
and JE 2009-14 (accepting award, in a representative
capacity, at a fundraiser). Based upon the
information provided, including the fact that the
nonprofit organization acknowledges that the event
is a fundraiser and that it engages in litigation,
advocacy and political action, the Committee
unanimously determined that it is impermissible
under Canon 5 (b) for the Judicial Official to be
honored at the fundraising event.
Committee on Judicial Ethics