Could an Illinois judge serve on a nonprofit board promoting drug prevention among youth?
Apply this to your situation
This page answers the general question as of 1999. 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 Illinois volunteer coalition invited a judge onto its board. It promoted drug-free youth through information sharing, training, and coordination among community organizations.
The Committee concluded that former Rules 64C and 65B permitted board service on the stated facts. It identified limits on impartiality, judicial duties, personal fundraising, legal advising, economic or political advantage, and the organization’s involvement in adversary proceedings.
It also found the proposed role consistent with former Rule 62A on public confidence, noting that the group’s goal of preventing illegal drug use aligned with state law.
Currency note
This opinion was issued in 1999 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 The Committee’s page says that Code was superseded on January 1, 2023, and does not assess the effect of the 2023 Code.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 board?
A: Yes, on the stated facts and subject to the former Code limits.
Q: Could the judge use the role for public fundraising?
A: The Committee listed personal fundraising and use of the judge’s name in solicitations among the prohibited activities.
Background and rules framework
The Committee applied former Illinois Supreme Court Rules 62A, 64C, and 65B to the proposed youth drug-prevention board service.
Citations and references
- Illinois Supreme Court Rules 62A, 64C, and 65B.
See also
Source
- Landing page: Illinois Judicial Ethics Committee Opinion 1999-04
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