Could an Illinois judge lead a synagogue and present its finances before another member solicited funds?
Apply this to your situation
This page answers the general question as of 1996. Ask about yours and see what the current rules of professional conduct in your state say for your facts, with citations.
Plain-English summary
A synagogue asked a judge to serve as president, put the judge’s name on stationery not used for direct fundraising, and explain finances before another member sought donations.
The Committee allowed leadership under former Rule 65B for a religious organization not conducted for members’ economic or political advantage. It also allowed the judge’s name on stationery not used to solicit funds.
The judge could present financial information to members if the judge did not personally solicit or permit use of the judicial name to solicit. Another member could make the donation appeal. The Committee did not decide any potential constitutional religious-freedom issue.
Currency note
This opinion was issued in 1997 under the 1993 Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct. The Committee’s page says that Code was superseded on January 1, 2023, and does not assess the effect of the 2023 Code.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 the judge be synagogue president?
A: Yes, on the facts and limits described.
Q: Could nonfundraising stationery list the judge?
A: Yes, if the stationery was not used to solicit funds.
Q: Could the judge describe finances before another member appealed?
A: Yes, if the judge did not personally solicit or let the judge’s name be used for solicitation.
Background and rules framework
The Committee applied former Illinois Supreme Court Rules 65B, 65B(1), and 65B(2) to religious leadership and fundraising. It contrasted Rule 64C’s treatment of organizations promoting the law and cited IJEC Opinion 93-3.
Citations and references
- Illinois Supreme Court Rules 64C, 65B, 65B(1), and 65B(2).
- IJEC Opinion 93-3.
See also
Source
- Landing page: Illinois Judicial Ethics Committee Opinion 1996-04
What do the rules say today, for your facts?
This opinion is from 1996. Ezel checks the current rules of professional conduct in your state against your situation and cites the rules it relies on.
Opens in Ezel Pro.
- Checks the law as it stands today, not only this page
- Cites every source it relies on, so you can verify it
- Chat, drafting and research in one workspace