Opinion 23-58

Short-Form Opinion

May 4, 2023

Question:    May a judge purchase a ticket to a bar association event where entry to the event must be made by a donation to a not-for-profit charity?

Discussion:  We have previously advised that “it is no ethical consequence for a judge to make a monetary contribution to a non-profit organization”, provided the judge does not personally solicit funds, permit the use of the judge’s name or the prestige of judicial office for fund-raising, or participate in other fund-raising activities. Subject to these limitations a judge may ethically attend and make a contribution to a fund-raiser for a not-for-profit organization. Thus, you may purchase a ticket to a bar association event for which entry is made by donation to a not-for-profit charity.

Enclosed:    16-158; 04-140; 01-84.