Opinion 12-88

August 23, 2012

Dear Justice:

         This responds to your inquiry (12-88) asking whether, as a judge sitting in a criminal part, it is ethically permissible to be an honorary member of a local sheriff’s association and to attend the association’s annual dinner.

         While it is not ethically permissible to be an honorary member of an association whose members prosecute cases before you, you may attend the annual dinner.

         Enclosed, for your convenience, are Opinions 99-137, 94-89, and 94-85, which address this issue.

                                       Very truly yours,

George D. Marlow, Assoc. Justice

                                       Appellate Division, First Dep’t (Ret.)

                                       Committee Chair

Encls.