Opinion 02-81

September 12, 2002

Digest:         A judge may attend a brunch to raise funds for the Police Benevolent Association scholarship, but the judge may not be the speaker or guest of honor at the event.

Rules:          22 NYCRR 100.4(C)(3)(b)(ii). Opinion 98-40 (Vol. XVII).

Opinion:

         A Citizens’ Advisory Committee for a local Police Benevolent Association has asked a judge to be the guest of honor at an annual brunch. The brunch will raise funds for a scholarship sponsored by the organization.

         This Committee has previously stated that a judge may contribute money to a local Police Benevolent Association. Opinion 98-40 (Vol. XVII). However, the Rules Governing Judicial Conduct prohibit a judge from being a speaker or guest of honor at an organization’s fund-raising event, although the judge may attend such event. 22 NYCRR 100.4(C)(3) (b)(ii).

         Accordingly, the inquiring judge may attend the brunch to raise funds for the Police Benevolent Association scholarship, but the judge may not be the speaker or guest of honor at the event.