Opinion 25-135

September 10, 2025

Digest:  The Committee cannot address legal questions.

Rules:   Judiciary Law § 212(2)(l); 22 NYCRR 101.1; Opinions 21-97; 15-29.

Opinion:

          The inquiring judge presides in a summons appearance part where prosecutors do not appear.  The judge asks if he/she may ethically dispose of cases in this part by offering a plea to a reduced charge or by granting an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal in the absence of a prosecutor.

          Because we have no authority to address legal questions (see Judiciary Law § 212[2][l]; 22 NYCRR 101.1; Opinions 21-97; 15-29), we must decline to comment.