Opinion 90-114

September 18, 1990

Digest:         A full-time judge may participate in the continuation of a chain letter to colleagues requesting their support of the abolition of apartheid in South Africa.

Rules:          22 NYCRR 100.5(a)

Opinion:

         A full-time judge inquires if the judge may participate in a chain letter to colleagues requesting them to continue the chain by writing similar letters supporting the abolition of apartheid in South Africa.

         Section 100.5(a) of the Rules of the Chief Administrator provides:

A judge may write, lecture, teach and speak on non-legal subjects, and engage in the arts, sports and other social recreational activities, if such avocational activities do not detract from the dignity of the office or interfere with the performance of judicial duties.

         The judge may participate in the chain letter program as the evil of apartheid is so clear and uncontroverted. The judge, however, should mail the letters only to other judges, preferably on personal stationery. If court stationery is used, it should be marked “personal and unofficial.”