Opinion 09-208

November 10, 2009

Hon.

Dear Justice:

         This responds to your inquiry (09-208) asking whether you may speak before the local sheriff’s association about the types of cases handled by the court, how they are handled by the court and the court’s case load. You indicate that you do not intend to show your audience anything that is not a matter of public record, nor do you intend on discussing any open cases. Finally, the talk is to be held in the Town Courtroom, which is a multi-purpose room in the Town Hall.

         Under these particular circumstances, there is no ethical prohibition against speaking to the local sheriff’s association in a neutral setting, subject to certain limitations which are set forth in Opinions 07-29 and 96-44, enclosed for your convenience.

Very truly yours,

George D. Marlow

Justice of the Supreme Court (Ret.)

Committee Chair

Enclosures