Could an Illinois judge attend a political gathering and be introduced there, whether or not the judge was a candidate?
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This page answers the general question as of 1994. Ask about yours and see what the current rules of professional conduct in your state say for your facts, with citations.
Plain-English summary
Two judges planned to attend a political party’s dinner and election rally. One was a candidate; the other was not. Both would be introduced by name and office along with other public officials.
The Committee read former Rule 67B(1)(a)(i), as amended in 1993, to permit all judges to attend political gatherings, regardless of candidacy. The permission included buying tickets.
The rule did not address introductions expressly. The Committee reasoned that candidates could speak at such gatherings, while noncandidate judges could attend and identify their party affiliation. It concluded that a simple public introduction was permissible for either judge.
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 The Committee’s archive says that Code was superseded on January 1, 2023, and does not assess the effect of the 2023 Code.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 judge who was not running for office attend the rally?
A: Yes. The Committee said the attendance permission applied to all judges.
Q: Could the noncandidate judge be introduced by name and position?
A: Yes. The Committee concluded that a simple introduction was permitted under former Rule 67.
Q: Did the rule expressly address introductions?
A: No. The Committee inferred permission from the attendance, speech, and party-identification provisions.
Background and rules framework
The Committee applied former Illinois Supreme Court Rule 67, including the 1993 amendment allowing judges to purchase tickets for and attend political gatherings. It also relied on the Code’s definition of “judge.”
Citations and references
- Illinois Supreme Court Rule 67B(1)(a)(i), 67B(1)(a)(ii), and 67B(1)(b)(i).
See also
Source
- Landing page: Illinois Judicial Ethics Committee Opinion 1994-21
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