Could an Illinois judge serve on an alderman’s private advisory committee on domestic violence ordinances?
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
An alderman invited a judge to a committee that would advise on proposed city ordinances, especially domestic violence measures, and discuss their legal propriety. The judge believed service would not impair impartiality.
The Committee distinguished public testimony on law and justice matters from private consultation. Former Rule 64B allowed private consultation with an official only on administration of justice, while this committee’s advisory work covered broader policy topics.
It also found that service for an elected official on indefinite topics could make the judge appear partial or politically involved under former Rule 67. It therefore rejected the appointment.
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 The Committee’s page says that Code was superseded on January 1, 2023, and does not assess the effect of the 2023 Code.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 serve on the alderman’s committee?
A: No. The Committee rejected the broad private advisory role.
Q: What private consultation did the opinion distinguish?
A: Former Rule 64B allowed private consultation with officials on administration of justice, while the proposed work went further.
Q: What appearance concerns did the committee identify?
A: It cited possible questions about impartiality and the appearance of prohibited political activity.
Background and rules framework
The Committee applied former Illinois Supreme Court Rule 64B to public appearances and private consultation, considered Rule 65B on civic service, and relied on Rule 67’s limits on political activity.
Citations and references
- Illinois Supreme Court Rules 64B, 65B, and 67.
See also
Source
- Landing page: Illinois Judicial Ethics Committee Opinion 1996-14
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