Opinion 89-129

December 5, 1989

Digest:         A town justice may appear before a town board meeting to request additional funds to carry out court functions.

Rules:          22 NYCRR 100.4(b)

Opinion:

         A town justice inquires whether it is permissible to appear at a town board meeting to advise the board of the increased workload of the court and to request additional office space.

         Section 100.4(b) of the Rules of the Chief Administrator provides:

A judge may appear at a public hearing before an executive or legislative body or official on matters concerning the law, the legal system, and the administration of justice. ..

         Accordingly, a town justice may appear at public hearings and consult with the town administration in connection with an increase in the town budget for additional space for the court.