When could an Illinois judge attend a golf outing hosted by lawyers or a political figure?
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This page answers the general question as of 1993. Ask about yours and see what the current rules of professional conduct in your state say for your facts, with citations.
Plain-English summary
The inquiry considered three invitations: a free outing honoring judges from a bar group, a lawyer’s invitation as a guest, and a paid outing linked to a political candidate or officeholder.
For a bar group’s public testimonial, former Rule 65C(4)(a) permitted the gift, provided attendance did not suggest a class of lawyers or clients had special influence. An individual lawyer’s infrequent, modest invitation could qualify as ordinary social hospitality under Rule 65C(4)(b), despite the gift restriction involving lawyers who practice before the judge.
Former Rule 67B(1), as amended in August 1993, permitted judges to buy tickets for political gatherings and contribute to political organizations. The Committee allowed the paid political outing except where attendance would compromise judicial integrity and independence.
Currency note
This opinion was issued in 1994 under the 1993 Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct. The Committee’s archive says that Code was superseded on January 1, 2023, and does not assess the effect of the 2023 Code. Treat this page as historical context and verify the current Code before relying on its analysis.
Common questions
Q: Could a bar group host a judge free of charge?
A: Yes, as a public testimonial, if the event did not create an impression of special influence.
Q: Could a lawyer invite the judge as a guest?
A: Yes, if the invitation counted as ordinary social hospitality on the described facts.
Q: Could the judge attend a paid political golf outing?
A: Yes, subject to the opinion’s concern for judicial integrity and independence.
Background and rules framework
The opinion applied former Illinois Supreme Court Rules 61, 62B, 65C(4)(a)-(c), and the August 1993 amendment to Rule 67B(1). It cited In re Corboy in distinguishing lawyer gifts from ordinary social hospitality.
Citations and references
- Illinois Supreme Court Rules 61, 62B, 65C(4)(a)-(c), and 67B(1).
- In re Corboy, 124 Ill.2d 29 (1988).
See also
Source
- Landing page: Illinois Judicial Ethics Committee Opinion 1993-12
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