2010-27 (September 8, 2010)
Fundraiser; Event, attendance/appearance; Name, Use
of; Canons 2 & 5; New CJC (effective 1-1-11): Rules
1.2 & 3.7
Issue: A union is sponsoring a
golf tournament fundraiser for the benefit of a
judicial branch employee who was tragically injured
in a motorcycle accident. The event will not occur
during normal work hours and the employee is not a
litigant who has come or is likely to come before
the inquiring Judicial Officials. The cost to attend
the tournament is $150 per person and includes
lunch, dinner and a $5 credit at the pro shop. Hole,
tee and cart sponsorships are available at the cost
of $150, $100, and $50, respectively. All proceeds
from the tournament will go to the injured employee.
The Judicial Officials indicate that they will not
participate in the solicitation of funds for the
event.
- May the Judicial
Officials attend and participate in the
fundraiser?
- May the Judicial
Officials make a contribution or sponsor a hole,
tee or cart at the fundraiser?
Response: Based upon the facts
presented, the Committee unanimously determined that
the Judicial Officials (1) may attend the tournament
at their own expense and participate (play golf) in
the fundraising event and (2) may contribute money
and sponsor a hole, tee or cart to help the injured
judicial branch employee. The Judicial Officials,
however, should consider the propriety of using
their judicial title in connection with the
fundraiser to determine whether it implicitly lends
the prestige of the judicial office to advance the
private interests of others in violation of Canon 2.
If judicial titles are used in connection with the
fundraiser, the Judicial Officials should retain the
right to review and pre-approve the use of any
biographical information about the Judicial
Officials to ensure that the information is not used
for any solicitation purposes in potential violation
of Canon 5(b)(2).
