Rule Canon 3. A Judge Shall Conduct the Judge's Personal and Extrajudicial Activities to Minimize the Risk of Conflict with the Obligations of Judicial Office

CJC

CANON 3

A JUDGE SHALL CONDUCT THE JUDGE’S PERSONAL AND EXTRAJUDICIAL

ACTIVITIES TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF CONFLICT WITH THE OBLIGATIONS OF

JUDICIAL OFFICE.

RULE 3.1. Extrajudicial Activities in General

A judge may engage in extrajudicial activities, except as prohibited by law* or this Code.

However, when engaging in extrajudicial activities, a judge shall not:

(A) participate in activities that will interfere with the proper performance of the judge’s

judicial duties;

(B) participate in activities that will lead to frequent disqualification of the judge; except

activities expressly allowed under this code. This rule does not apply to national or state military

service;

(C) participate in activities that would undermine the judge’s independence,* integrity,* or

impartiality;*

(D) engage in conduct that would be coercive; or

(E) make extrajudicial or personal use of court premises, staff, stationery, equipment, or

other resources, except for incidental use permitted by law.

Comments

[1] Participation in both law-related and other extrajudicial activities helps integrate judges

into their communities, and furthers public understanding of and respect for courts and the

judicial system. To the extent that time permits, and judicial independence and impartiality are

not compromised, judges are encouraged to engage in appropriate extrajudicial activities. Judges

are uniquely qualified to engage in extrajudicial activities that concern the law, the legal system,

and the administration of justice, such as by speaking, writing, teaching, or participating in

scholarly research projects. In addition, judges are permitted and encouraged to engage in

educational, religious, charitable, fraternal or civic extrajudicial activities not conducted for

profit, even when the activities do not involve the law. See Rule 3.7

es that concern the law, the legal system,

and the administration of justice, such as by speaking, writing, teaching, or participating in

scholarly research projects. In addition, judges are permitted and encouraged to engage in

educational, religious, charitable, fraternal or civic extrajudicial activities not conducted for

profit, even when the activities do not involve the law. See Rule 3.7.

[2] Discriminatory actions and expressions of bias or prejudice by a judge, even outside the

judge’s official or judicial actions, are likely to appear to a reasonable person to call into

question the judge’s integrity and impartiality. Examples include jokes or other remarks that

demean individuals based upon their race, sex, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity,

disability, age, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. For the same reason, a judge’s

extrajudicial activities must not be conducted in connection or affiliation with an organization

that practices invidious discrimination.

[3] While engaged in permitted extrajudicial activities, judges must not coerce others or

take action that would reasonably be perceived as coercive. For example, depending upon the

circumstances, a judge’s solicitation of contributions or memberships for an organization, even

as permitted by Rule 3.7(A), might create the risk that the person solicited would feel obligated

to respond favorably, or would do so to curry favor with the judge.

[4] Before speaking or writing about social or political issues, judges should consider the

impact of their statements under Canon 3.

umstances, a judge’s solicitation of contributions or memberships for an organization, even

as permitted by Rule 3.7(A), might create the risk that the person solicited would feel obligated

to respond favorably, or would do so to curry favor with the judge.

[4] Before speaking or writing about social or political issues, judges should consider the

impact of their statements under Canon 3.

RULE 3.2. Appearances before Governmental Bodies and Consultation with Government

Officials

A judge shall not appear voluntarily at a public hearing before, or otherwise consult with,

an executive or a legislative body or official, except:

(A) in connection with matters concerning the law, the legal system, or the administration

of justice;

(B) in connection with matters about which the judge acquired knowledge or expertise in

the course of the judge’s judicial duties; or

(C) when the judge is acting in a matter involving the judge’s, the judge’s marital

community’s, or the judge’s domestic partnership’s legal or economic interests, or those of

members of the judge’s immediate family residing in the judge’s household, or when the judge is

acting in a fiduciary* capacity. In engaging in such activities, however, judges must exercise

caution to avoid abusing the prestige of judicial office.

Comments

[1] Judges possess special expertise in matters of law, the legal system, and the

administration of justice, and may properly share that expertise with governmental bodies and

executive or legislative branch officials

e judge is

acting in a fiduciary* capacity. In engaging in such activities, however, judges must exercise

caution to avoid abusing the prestige of judicial office.

Comments

[1] Judges possess special expertise in matters of law, the legal system, and the

administration of justice, and may properly share that expertise with governmental bodies and

executive or legislative branch officials.

[2] In appearing before governmental bodies or consulting with government officials,

judges must be mindful that they remain subject to other provisions of this Code, such as Rule

1.3, prohibiting judges from using the prestige of office to advance their own or others’ interests,

Rule 2.10, governing public comment on pending and impending matters, and Rule 3.1(C),

prohibiting judges from engaging in extrajudicial activities that would appear to a reasonable

person to undermine the judge’s independence, integrity, or impartiality.

RULE 3.3. Acting as a Character Witness

A judge shall not act as a character witness in a judicial, administrative, or other

adjudicatory proceeding or otherwise vouch for the character of a person in a legal proceeding,

except when duly summoned.

Comments

[1] A judge who, without being subpoenaed, acts as a character witness abuses the prestige

of judicial office to advance the interests of another. See Rule 1.3. Except in unusual

circumstances where the demands of justice require, a judge should discourage a party from

requiring the judge to act as a character witness.

[2] This rule does not prohibit judges from writing letters of recommendation in

nonadjudicative proceedings pursuant to Rule 1.3 comments [2] and [3].

RULE 3.4. Appointments to Governmental Positions

A judge shall not accept appointment to a governmental committee, board, commission, or

other governmental position, unless it is one that concerns the law, the legal system, or the

administration of justice

s not prohibit judges from writing letters of recommendation in

nonadjudicative proceedings pursuant to Rule 1.3 comments [2] and [3].

RULE 3.4. Appointments to Governmental Positions

A judge shall not accept appointment to a governmental committee, board, commission, or

other governmental position, unless it is one that concerns the law, the legal system, or the

administration of justice. A judge may represent their country, state, or locality on ceremonial

occasions or in connection with historical, educational, or cultural activities.

Comment

[1] Rule 3.4 implicitly acknowledges the value of judges accepting appointments to entities

that concern the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice. Even in such instances,

however, a judge should assess the appropriateness of accepting an appointment, paying

particular attention to the subject matter of the appointment and the availability and allocation of

judicial resources, including the judge's time commitments, and giving due regard to the

requirements of the independence and impartiality of the judiciary.

RULE 3.5. Use of Nonpublic Information

A judge shall not intentionally disclose or use nonpublic information* acquired in a judicial

capacity for any purpose unrelated to the judge’s judicial duties.

Comment

[1] This rule is not intended to affect a judge’s ability to act on information as necessary to

protect the health or safety of any individual if consistent with other provisions of this Code

and/or law.

RULE 3.6. Affiliation with Discriminatory Organizations

(A) A judge shall not hold membership in any organization that practices invidious

discrimination on the bases of race, sex, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual

orientation or other classification protected by law

tect the health or safety of any individual if consistent with other provisions of this Code

and/or law.

RULE 3.6. Affiliation with Discriminatory Organizations

(A) A judge shall not hold membership in any organization that practices invidious

discrimination on the bases of race, sex, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual

orientation or other classification protected by law.

(B) A judge shall not use the benefits or facilities of an organization if the judge knows* or

should know that the organization practices invidious discrimination on one or more of the bases

identified in paragraph (A). A judge’s attendance at an event in a facility of an organization that

the judge is not permitted to join is not a violation of this Rule when the judge’s attendance is an

isolated event that could not reasonably be perceived as an endorsement of the organization’s

practices.

Comments

[1] A judge’s public manifestation of approval of invidious discrimination on any basis

gives rise to the appearance of impropriety and diminishes public confidence in the integrity and

impartiality of the judiciary. A judge’s membership in an organization that practices invidious

discrimination creates the perception that the judge’s impartiality is impaired.

[2] Whether an organization practices invidious discrimination is a complex question to

which judges should be attentive at all times, given the prevailing state and federal law. The

answer cannot be determined from a mere examination of an organization’s current membership

rolls, but rather, depends on how the organization selects members, as well as other relevant

factors, such as the organization’s purposes or activities, and whether the organization is

dedicated to the preservation or religious, ethnic, or cultural values of legitimate common

interest to its members.

[3] If a judge learns that an organization to which the judge belongs engages in invidious

discrimination, the judge must resign immediately from the organization

ell as other relevant

factors, such as the organization’s purposes or activities, and whether the organization is

dedicated to the preservation or religious, ethnic, or cultural values of legitimate common

interest to its members.

[3] If a judge learns that an organization to which the judge belongs engages in invidious

discrimination, the judge must resign immediately from the organization.

[4] A judge’s membership in a religious organization as a lawful exercise of the freedom of

religion is not a violation of this Rule.

RULE 3.7. Participation in Educational, Religious, Charitable, Fraternal, or Civic

Organizations and Activities

Subject to the requirements of Rule 3.1, a judge may participate in activities sponsored by

organizations or governmental entities concerned with the law, the legal system, or the

administration of justice, and those sponsored by or on behalf of educational, religious,

charitable, fraternal, or civic organizations not conducted for profit, including but not limited to

the following activities:

(A) assisting such an organization or entity in planning related to fundraising, and

participating in the management and investment of the organization’s or entity’s funds, or

volunteering services or goods at fundraising events as long as the situation could not reasonably

be deemed coercive;

(B) soliciting* contributions* for such an organization or entity, but only from members of

the judge’s family,* or from judges over whom the judge does not exercise supervisory or

appellate authority;

(C) appearing or speaking at, receiving an award or other recognition at, being featured on

the program of, and permitting their title to be used in connection with an event of such an

organization or entity, but if the event serves a fundraising purpose, the judge may do so only if

the event concerns the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice;

(D) serving as an officer, director, trustee, or nonlegal advisor of such an organization or

entity, unle

ing featured on

the program of, and permitting their title to be used in connection with an event of such an

organization or entity, but if the event serves a fundraising purpose, the judge may do so only if

the event concerns the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice;

(D) serving as an officer, director, trustee, or nonlegal advisor of such an organization or

entity, unless it is likely that the organization or entity:

(1) will be engaged in proceedings that would ordinarily come before the judge; or

(2) will frequently be engaged in adversary proceedings in the court of which the judge is a

member, or in any court subject to the appellate jurisdiction of the court of which the judge is a

member.

Comments

[1] The activities permitted by Rule 3.7 generally include those sponsored by or undertaken

on behalf of public or private not-for-profit educational institutions, and other not-for-profit

organizations, including law-related, charitable, and other organizations.

[2] Even for law-related organizations, a judge should consider whether the membership

and purposes of the organization, or the nature of the judge’s participation in or association with

the organization, would conflict with the judge’s obligation to refrain from activities that reflect

adversely upon a judge’s independence, integrity, and impartiality.

[3] Mere attendance at an event, whether or not the event serves a fundraising purpose,

does not constitute a violation of paragraph (C). It is also generally permissible for a judge to

serve as an usher or a food server or preparer, or to perform similar functions, at fundraising

events sponsored by educational, religious, charitable, fraternal, or civic organizations. Such

activities are not solicitation and do not present an element of coercion or abuse the prestige of

judicial office

constitute a violation of paragraph (C). It is also generally permissible for a judge to

serve as an usher or a food server or preparer, or to perform similar functions, at fundraising

events sponsored by educational, religious, charitable, fraternal, or civic organizations. Such

activities are not solicitation and do not present an element of coercion or abuse the prestige of

judicial office.

[4] Identification of a judge’s position in educational, religious, charitable, fraternal, or

civic organizations on letterhead used for fundraising or membership solicitation does not violate

this Rule. The letterhead may list the judge’s title or judicial office if comparable designations

are used for other persons.

[5] In addition to appointing lawyers to serve as counsel for indigent parties in individual

cases, a judge may promote broader access to justice by encouraging lawyers to participate in pro

bono legal services, if in doing so the judge does not employ coercion, or abuse the prestige of

judicial office. Such encouragement may take many forms, including providing lists of available

programs, training lawyers to do pro bono legal work, and participating in events recognizing

lawyers who have done pro bono work.

[6] A judge may not directly solicit funds, except as permitted under Rule 3.7(B), however

a judge may assist a member of the judge’s family in their charitable fundraising activities if the

procedures employed are not coercive and the sum is de minimis.

[7] [Reserved.]

[8] A judge may provide leadership in identifying and addressing issues involving equal

access to the justice system; developing public education programs; engaging in activities to

promote the fair administration of justice; and convening, participating, or assisting in advisory

committees and community collaborations devoted to the improvement of the law, the legal

system, the provision of services, or the administration of justice

ntifying and addressing issues involving equal

access to the justice system; developing public education programs; engaging in activities to

promote the fair administration of justice; and convening, participating, or assisting in advisory

committees and community collaborations devoted to the improvement of the law, the legal

system, the provision of services, or the administration of justice.

[9] A judge may endorse or participate in projects and programs directly related to the law,

the legal system, the administration of justice, and the provision of services to those coming

before the courts, and may actively support the need for funding of such projects and programs.

RULE 3.8. Appointments to Fiduciary Positions

(A) A judge shall not accept appointment to serve in a fiduciary* position, such as

executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, attorney-in-fact, or other personal representative,

except for the estate, trust, or person of a member of the judge’s family,* and then only if such

service will not interfere with the proper performance of judicial duties.

(B) A judge shall not serve in a fiduciary position if the judge as fiduciary will likely be

engaged in proceedings that would ordinarily come before the judge, or if the estate, trust, or

ward becomes involved in adversary proceedings in the court on which the judge serves, or one

under its appellate jurisdiction.

(C) A judge acting in a fiduciary capacity shall be subject to the same restrictions on

engaging in financial activities that apply to a judge personally.

(D) If a person who is serving in a fiduciary position becomes a judge, they must comply

with this Rule as soon as reasonably practicable, but in no event later than one year after

becoming a judge.

Comment

[1] A judge should recognize that other restrictions imposed by this Code may conflict with

a judge’s obligations as a fiduciary; in such circumstances, a judge should resign as fiduciary

If a person who is serving in a fiduciary position becomes a judge, they must comply

with this Rule as soon as reasonably practicable, but in no event later than one year after

becoming a judge.

Comment

[1] A judge should recognize that other restrictions imposed by this Code may conflict with

a judge’s obligations as a fiduciary; in such circumstances, a judge should resign as fiduciary.

For example, serving as a fiduciary might require frequent disqualification of a judge under

Rule 2.11 because a judge is deemed to have an economic interest in shares of stock held by a

trust if the amount of stock held is more than de minimis.

RULE 3.9. Service as Arbitrator or Mediator

A judge shall not act as an arbitrator or a mediator or perform other judicial functions in a

private capacity unless authorized by law.*

Comments

[1] This Rule does not prohibit a judge from participating in arbitration, mediation, or

settlement conferences performed as part of assigned judicial duties. Rendering dispute

resolution services apart from those duties, whether or not for economic gain, is prohibited

unless it is authorized by law.

[2] Retired, part-time, or pro tempore judges may be exempt from this section. (See

Application.)

RULE 3.10. Practice of Law

(A) A judge shall not practice law. A judge may act pro se or on behalf of their marital

community or domestic partnership and may, without compensation, give legal advice to and

draft or review documents for a member of the judge’s family,* but is prohibited from serving as

the family member’s lawyer in any adjudicative forum.

(B) This rule does not prevent the practice of law pursuant to national or state military

service.

Comment

[1] A judge may act pro se or on behalf of his or her marital community or domestic

partnership in all legal matters, including matters involving litigation and matters involving

appearances before or other dealings with governmental bodies

mber’s lawyer in any adjudicative forum.

(B) This rule does not prevent the practice of law pursuant to national or state military

service.

Comment

[1] A judge may act pro se or on behalf of his or her marital community or domestic

partnership in all legal matters, including matters involving litigation and matters involving

appearances before or other dealings with governmental bodies. A judge must not use the

prestige of office to advance the judge’s personal or family interests. See Rule 1.3.

RULE 3.11. Financial, Business, or Remunerative Activities

(A) A judge may hold and manage investments of the judge and members of the judge’s

family.*

(B) A judge shall not serve as an officer, director, manager, general partner, advisor, or

employee of any business entity except that a judge may manage or participate in:

(1) a business closely held by the judge or members of the judge’s family; or

(2) a business entity primarily engaged in investment of the financial resources of the judge

or members of the judge’s family.

(C) A judge shall not engage in financial activities permitted under paragraphs (A) and (B)

if they will:

(1) interfere with the proper performance of judicial duties;

(2) lead to frequent disqualification of the judge;

(3) involve the judge in frequent transactions or continuing business relationships with

lawyers or other persons likely to come before the court on which the judge serves; or

udge shall not engage in financial activities permitted under paragraphs (A) and (B)

if they will:

(1) interfere with the proper performance of judicial duties;

(2) lead to frequent disqualification of the judge;

(3) involve the judge in frequent transactions or continuing business relationships with

lawyers or other persons likely to come before the court on which the judge serves; or

(4) result in violation of other provisions of this Code.

(D) As soon as practicable without serious financial detriment, the judge must self-divest of

investments and other financial interests that might require frequent disqualification or otherwise

violate this Rule.

Comments

[1] Judges are generally permitted to engage in financial activities, subject to the

requirements of this Rule and other provisions of this Code. For example, it would be improper

for a judge to spend so much time on business activities that it interferes with the performance of

judicial duties. See Rule 2.1. Similarly, it would be improper for a judge to use their official

title or appear in judicial robes in business advertising, or to conduct their business or financial

affairs in such a way that disqualification is frequently required. See Rules 1.3 and 2.11.

[2] There is a limit of not more than one (1) year allowed to comply with Rule 3.11(D).

(See Application Part IV.)

RULE 3.12. Compensation for Extrajudicial Activities

A judge may accept reasonable compensation for extrajudicial activities permitted by this

Code or other law* unless such acceptance would appear to a reasonable person to undermine

the judge’s independence,* integrity,* or impartiality.*

Comments

[1] A judge is permitted to accept honoraria, stipends, fees, wages, salaries, royalties, or

other compensation for speaking, teaching, writing, and other extrajudicial activities, provided

the compensation is reasonable and commensurate with the task performed

uch acceptance would appear to a reasonable person to undermine

the judge’s independence,* integrity,* or impartiality.*

Comments

[1] A judge is permitted to accept honoraria, stipends, fees, wages, salaries, royalties, or

other compensation for speaking, teaching, writing, and other extrajudicial activities, provided

the compensation is reasonable and commensurate with the task performed. The judge should be

mindful, however, that judicial duties must take precedence over other activities. See Rule 2.1.

[2] Compensation derived from extrajudicial activities may be subject to public reporting.

See Rule 3.15.

RULE 3.13. Acceptance and Reporting of Gifts, Loans, Bequests, Benefits, or Other Things

of Value

(A) A judge shall not accept any gifts, loans, bequests, benefits, or other things of value, if

acceptance is prohibited by law* or would appear to a reasonable person to undermine the

judge’s independence,* integrity,* or impartiality.*

(B) Unless otherwise prohibited by law, or by paragraph (A), a judge may accept the

following:

(1) items with little intrinsic value, such as plaques, certificates, trophies, and greeting

cards;

(2) gifts, loans, bequests, benefits, or other things of value from friends, relatives, or other

persons, including lawyers, whose appearance or interest in a proceeding pending* or

impending* before the judge would in any event require disqualification of the judge under

Rule 2.11;

(3) ordinary social hospitality;

(4) commercial or financial opportunities and benefits, including special pricing and

discounts, and loans from lending institutions in their regular course of business, if the same

opportunities and benefits or loans are made available on the same terms to similarly situated

persons who are not judges;

(5) rewards and prizes given to competitors or participants in random drawings, contests, or

other events that are open to persons who are not judges;

ng special pricing and

discounts, and loans from lending institutions in their regular course of business, if the same

opportunities and benefits or loans are made available on the same terms to similarly situated

persons who are not judges;

(5) rewards and prizes given to competitors or participants in random drawings, contests, or

other events that are open to persons who are not judges;

(6) scholarships, fellowships, and similar benefits or awards, if they are available to

similarly situated persons who are not judges, based upon the same terms and criteria;

(7) books, magazines, journals, audiovisual materials, and other resource materials supplied

by publishers on a complimentary basis for official use; or

(8) gifts, awards, or benefits associated with the business, profession, or other separate

activity of a spouse, a domestic partner,* or other family member of a judge residing in the

judge’s household,* but that incidentally benefit the judge.

(9) gifts incident to a public testimonial;

(10) invitations to the judge and the judge’s spouse, domestic partner, or guest to attend

without charge:

(a) an event associated with a bar-related function or other activity relating to the law, the

legal system, or the administration of justice; or

(b) an event associated with any of the judge’s educational, religious, charitable, fraternal,

or civic activities permitted by this Code, if the same invitation is offered to nonjudges who are

engaged in similar ways in the activity as is the judge.

Comments

[1] Whenever a judge accepts a gift or other thing of value without paying fair market

value, there is a risk that the benefit might be viewed as intended to influence the judge’s

decision in a case. Rule 3.13 imposes restrictions upon the acceptance of such benefits.

Acceptance of any gift or thing of value may require reporting pursuant to Rule 3.15 and

Washington law

e judge.

Comments

[1] Whenever a judge accepts a gift or other thing of value without paying fair market

value, there is a risk that the benefit might be viewed as intended to influence the judge’s

decision in a case. Rule 3.13 imposes restrictions upon the acceptance of such benefits.

Acceptance of any gift or thing of value may require reporting pursuant to Rule 3.15 and

Washington law.

[2] Gift-giving between friends and relatives is a common occurrence, and ordinarily does

not create an appearance of impropriety or cause reasonable persons to believe that the judge’s

independence, integrity, or impartiality has been compromised. In addition, when the

appearance of friends or relatives in a case would require the judge’s disqualification under

Rule 2.11, there would be no opportunity for a gift to influence the judge’s decision making.

Paragraph (B)(2) places no restrictions upon the ability of a judge to accept gifts or other things

of value from friends or relatives under these circumstances.

[3] Businesses and financial institutions frequently make available special pricing,

discounts, and other benefits, either in connection with a temporary promotion or for preferred

customers, based upon longevity of the relationship, volume of business transacted, and other

factors. A judge may freely accept such benefits if they are available to the general public, or if

the judge qualifies for the special price or discount according to the same criteria as are applied

to persons who are not judges. As an example, loans provided at generally prevailing interest

rates are not gifts, but a judge could not accept a loan from a financial institution at below-

market interest rates unless the same rate was being made available to the general public for a

certain period of time or only to borrowers with specified qualifications that the judge also

possesses.

[4] Rule 3.13 applies only to acceptance of gifts or other things of value by a judge

ng interest

rates are not gifts, but a judge could not accept a loan from a financial institution at below-

market interest rates unless the same rate was being made available to the general public for a

certain period of time or only to borrowers with specified qualifications that the judge also

possesses.

[4] Rule 3.13 applies only to acceptance of gifts or other things of value by a judge.

Nonetheless, if a gift or other benefit is given to the judge’s spouse, domestic partner, or member

of the judge’s family residing in the judge’s household, it may be viewed as an attempt to evade

Rule 3.13 and influence the judge indirectly. Where the gift or benefit is being made primarily

to such other persons, and the judge is merely an incidental beneficiary, this concern is reduced.

A judge should, however, remind family and household members of the restrictions imposed

upon judges, and urge them to take these restrictions into account when making decisions about

accepting such gifts or benefits.

[5] Rule 3.13 does not apply to contributions to a judge’s campaign for judicial office.

Such contributions are governed by other Rules of this Code, including Rules 4.3 and 4.4.

RULE 3.14. Reimbursement of Expenses and Waivers of Fees or Charges

(A) Unless otherwise prohibited by Rules 3.1 and 3.13(A) or other law,* a judge may

accept reimbursement of necessary and reasonable expenses for travel, food, lodging, or other

incidental expenses, or a waiver or partial waiver of fees or charges for registration, tuition, and

s of this Code, including Rules 4.3 and 4.4.

RULE 3.14. Reimbursement of Expenses and Waivers of Fees or Charges

(A) Unless otherwise prohibited by Rules 3.1 and 3.13(A) or other law,* a judge may

accept reimbursement of necessary and reasonable expenses for travel, food, lodging, or other

incidental expenses, or a waiver or partial waiver of fees or charges for registration, tuition, and

similar items, from sources other than the judge’s employing entity, if the expenses or charges

are associated with the judge’s participation in extrajudicial activities permitted by this Code.

(B) Reimbursement of expenses for necessary travel, food, lodging, or other incidental

expenses shall be limited to the actual costs reasonably incurred by the judge.

Comments

[1] Educational, civic, religious, fraternal, and charitable organizations often sponsor

meetings, seminars, symposia, dinners, awards ceremonies, and similar events. Judges are

encouraged to attend educational programs, as both teachers and participants, in law-related and

academic disciplines, in furtherance of their duty to remain competent in the law. Participation

in a variety of other extrajudicial activity is also permitted and encouraged by this Code.

[2] Not infrequently, sponsoring organizations invite certain judges to attend seminars or

other events on a fee-waived or partial-fee-waived basis, and sometimes include reimbursement

for necessary travel, food, lodging, or other incidental expenses. A judge’s decision whether to

accept reimbursement of expenses or a waiver or partial waiver of fees or charges in connection

with these or other extrajudicial activities must be based upon an assessment of all the

circumstances. The judge must undertake a reasonable inquiry to obtain the information

necessary to make an informed judgment about whether acceptance would be consistent with the

requirements of this Code and Washington law

rsement of expenses or a waiver or partial waiver of fees or charges in connection

with these or other extrajudicial activities must be based upon an assessment of all the

circumstances. The judge must undertake a reasonable inquiry to obtain the information

necessary to make an informed judgment about whether acceptance would be consistent with the

requirements of this Code and Washington law.

[3] A judge must assure themself that acceptance of reimbursement or fee waivers would

not appear to a reasonable person to undermine the judge’s independence, integrity, or

impartiality. The factors that a judge should consider when deciding whether to accept

reimbursement or a fee waiver for attendance at a particular activity include:

(a) whether the sponsor is an accredited educational institution or bar association rather

than a trade association or a for-profit entity;

(b) whether the funding comes largely from numerous contributors rather than from a

single entity and is earmarked for programs with specific content;

(c) whether the content is related or unrelated to the subject matter of litigation pending or

impending before the judge, or to matters that are likely to come before the judge;

(d) whether the activity is primarily educational rather than recreational, and whether the

costs of the event are reasonable and comparable to those associated with similar events

sponsored by the judiciary, bar associations, or similar groups;

(e) whether information concerning the activity and its funding source(s) is available upon

inquiry;

(f) whether the sponsor or source of funding is generally associated with particular parties

or interests currently appearing or likely to appear in the judge’s court, thus possibly requiring

disqualification of the judge under Rule 2.11;

(g) whether differing viewpoints are presented; and

e) whether information concerning the activity and its funding source(s) is available upon

inquiry;

(f) whether the sponsor or source of funding is generally associated with particular parties

or interests currently appearing or likely to appear in the judge’s court, thus possibly requiring

disqualification of the judge under Rule 2.11;

(g) whether differing viewpoints are presented; and

(h) whether a broad range of judicial and nonjudicial participants are invited, whether a

large number of participants are invited, and whether the program is designed specifically for

judges.

RULE 3.15. Reporting Requirements

A judge shall make such financial disclosures as required by law.