Connecticut Committee on Judicial Ethics
Informal Opinion Summaries
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.
Committee on Judicial Ethics