Opinion 44
(This Opinion discusses a prior version of the Canons of Judicial Conduct; the most comparable current rules are See Rules 2.34 Appointments to Governmental Positions; 2-3.7 Participation in Educational, Religious, Charitable, Fraternal or Civic Organizations and Activities, Subdivision (A)(1); and 2 4.1 Political Conduct of Judges and Judicial Candidates in General, Subdivision (D).)
Issue:
May an Associate Circuit Judge serve on the steering committee of the Attorney General’s council on crime prevention. The committee’s goal is to offer assistance in coordinating various crime prevention programs already operating in Missouri, and to promote the development of other such programs statewide.
Discussion:
Supreme Court Rule 2 (Canon 5) (G) allows a judge to accept appointment to governmental committees, commissions, and other positions that are involved in “the improvement of the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice.”
It is the opinion of the Commission on Retirement, Removal and Discipline that a judge’s service on a council for crime prevention falls within the purview of activities permitted by Canon 5(G). However, the judge should be careful not to become involved in soliciting funds for the committee in violation of Canon 5(B)(2) or to become involved in political activity that is not on behalf of measures to improve the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice in violation of Canon 7(A)(4).
(Dated: June 17, 1980)
COMMISSION ON RETIREMENT REMOVAL AND DISCIPLINE
OPINION 44
OPINION 44
Issue:
May an Associate Circuit Judge serve on the steering committee of the Attorney General’s council on crime prevention. The committee’s goal is to offer assistance in coordinating various crime prevention programs already operating in Missouri, and to promote the development of other such programs statewide.
Discussion:
Supreme Court Rule 2 (Canon 5) (G) allows a judge to accept appointment to governmental committees, commissions, and other positions that are involved in “the improvement of the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice.”
It is the opinion of the Commission on Retirement, Removal and Discipline that a judge’s service on a council for crime prevention falls within the purview of activities permitted by Canon 5(G). However, the judge should be careful not to become involved in soliciting funds for the committee in violation of Canon 5(B)(2) or to become involved in political activity that is not on behalf of measures to improve the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice in violation of Canon 7(A)(4).
(Dated: June 17, 1980)