2010-08 (April 12, 2010)
Social Activities; Canon 5

Issue: May a Judicial Official attend a retirement party for a prosecutor that is held prior to the effective date of the prosecutor’s retirement? Among the facts reported, the Judicial Official has known the prosecutor since before the Judicial Official’s appointment to the bench and the retirement party is open to the public.

Recommendation: Canon 5(a) states, inter alia, that a Judicial Official may engage in social and recreational activities provided that they do not detract from the dignity of the office or interfere with the performance of judicial duties. Based upon the facts presented, the Committee members present unanimously determined that the Judicial Official’s attendance at the retirement party would be consistent with the foregoing requirements.