Opinion 92-45

May 7, 1992

Digest:         A part-time judge may serve as a member of the town board of ethics.

Rule:            22 NYCRR 100.5(b) and (h).

Opinion:

         A part-time judge inquires whether the judge may accept an appointment to the board of ethics of the town where the judge serves.

         Judges are permitted to participate in a variety of civic activities, as long as they "do not reflect adversely upon impartiality or interfere with the performance of judicial duties." (22 NYCRR 100.5[b]). Part-time judges may accept public or private employment "provided that such employment is not incompatible with judicial office and does not reflect or interfere with the proper performance of the judge's duties." (22 NYCRR 100.5[h]).

         Since there is no apparent conflict between the two positions, the part-time judge may accept an appointment to the board of ethics of the town where the judge serves. See this Committee's Opinion 91-35 (Vol. VII).