Opinion 14-124

October 10, 2014

PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL

Dear   :

         This responds to your inquiry (14-124) asking whether it is ethically permissible to accept an invitation to become a member of the Board of Directors of the local Police Athletic League.

         The Committee has previously determined that a judge should not be a member or an officer of an organization with a law enforcement orientation because it could cause the judge’s impartiality to reasonably be questioned. However, a judge may attend fund-raising events and contribute financially to charitable causes in support of the group.

         Enclosed, for your convenience, is Opinion 13-134 which addresses this issue.

                                       Very truly yours,

George D. Marlow, Assoc. Justice

Appellate Division, First Dept. (Ret.)

Committee Chair

Enc.