Opinion 90-168

December 11, 1990

Digest:         A judge may include his or her name and judicial title on a list of patrons who have contributed to a charitable organization.

Rules:          22 NYCRR 100.5(b)(2)

Opinion:

         A judge inquires whether it would be proper for a judge to include his or her judicial title on a list of patrons who have contributed to a non-profit or charitable organization.

         As we have previously determined, judges are not prohibited from attending fundraising dinners for charitable or civic organizations or from personally contributing to the organizations. [Opinion 89-46, Vol. III ; 22 NYCRR 100.5(b)(2)] As judges may contribute to such organizations, there is no ethical prohibition to judges using their titles on a list of contributors to the organization; e.g. as Judge and spouse.