Could an Illinois judge seek election to and serve on a parish school board?
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 judge was asked to stand for an unpaid parish school board position and serve if selected.
The Committee treated the board as an educational or religious organization within former Rule 65B and permitted service if it did not compromise impartiality or judicial duties and did not advance members’ economic or political interests.
The selection process also had to avoid using judicial prestige to influence private interests. The opinion additionally barred letting the judge’s name be used to solicit funds or other assistance for the organization.
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 The Committee’s page says that Code was superseded on January 1, 2023, and does not assess the effect of the 2023 Code.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 run for the parish board?
A: Yes, if the selection process complied with the former Code’s restrictions.
Q: Could the judge serve after election?
A: Yes, subject to the civic-service limits described in the opinion.
Q: Could the judge solicit funds for the school board?
A: No. The Committee barred solicitation or use of the judge’s name for that purpose.
Background and rules framework
The Committee applied former Illinois Supreme Court Rules 62A and 62B on judicial conduct and prestige, Rule 65B on civic service, and cited Rule 64 concerning solicitation.
Citations and references
- Illinois Supreme Court Rules 62A, 62B, 64, and 65B.
See also
Source
- Landing page: Illinois Judicial Ethics Committee Opinion 1996-07
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