Opinion 23-98

Short-Form Opinion

September 7, 2023

Question:    May a judicial association honor an elected official at a non-fund-raising event for their role in increasing diversity in the judiciary, provided the event is not political? 

Discussion:  We have previously advised that participation in cultural events that honor a public official is ethically permissible when such events are non-political and do not involve fundraising.  On the facts presented here, the proposed cultural celebration is non-partisan and is not sponsored by a political organization.  We see no impropriety in honoring an elected official at the event for their role in increasing diversity in the judiciary through judicial appointments, as the mere presence of a political official does not necessarily convert the program into an impermissible political event.

Enclosed:     Opinions 20-131; 20-71; 15-171; 14-182; 03-20; 98-37; 97-19; 96-82.