Opinion 25-36

March 27, 2025

Facts/Issue:  A district administrative judge asks whether it is ethically permissible in his/her administrative role to solicit donations of stuffed animals and children’s books from not-for-profit organizations and local businesses to be used as gifts for children participating in various court programs or at the conclusion of judicial proceedings involving children.

Discussion:   Although a judge may assist a not-for-profit civic or charitable organization in planning fund-raising, the judge may not personally participate in solicitation of funds or other fund-raising activities.  Nor may the judge allow the prestige of judicial office to be used for fund-raising purposes.  The ban on personally soliciting funds and fund-raising activities also includes soliciting non-cash or in-kind donations and applies not only to judges in their individual capacities, but also to courts and court entities, and to fund-raising on court property.

Conclusion:  A judge may not, either individually or in an administrative capacity, solicit donations of stuffed animals and children’s books to be used as gifts for children interacting with the court system.

Authorities:  Opinion 23-136; 17-55; 14-153; 14-127.