CORONAVIRUS NOTICE
As we gradually return to the office on a rotational basis, judges and quasi-judicial officials may continue to call us at 1-866-795-8343 to learn the disposition of inquiries considered at the Committee’s March, April and June meetings, or to request informal guidance on new issues as they arise. Please state your name and contact information clearly on our voicemail so we can return your call.
In addition, judges may email us written inquiries for consideration at our next meeting. At this time, we anticipate that inquiries received through August 31, 2020 will be on the agenda for the Committee’s consideration on September 10, 2020.
Some recent decisions on coronavirus-related inquiries:
- Opinion 20-99 - communicating with defendant motorists about their options in VTL matters.
- Opinion 20-97 - distributing a prosecutor's "informational document" to defendant motorists.
- Opinion 20-77 - serving on an advisory board that will make recommendations about emergency funding.
Mission
The Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics provides ethics advice to judges, justices and quasi-judicial officials of the NYS Unified Court System about their own conduct.
Our sole mission is to help judges comply with the Rules Governing Judicial Conduct.
| Co-Chairs: | Hon. George D. Marlow Hon. Margaret T. Walsh |
| Vice-Chair: |
Hon. Daniel Angiolillo |
| Chief Counsel: | Laura L. Smith, Esq. |
Contact Information
Telephone: 1-866-795-8343 (toll free)
E-Mail: See the Committee's NEW policy for more information.
Self-Help (Finding Opinions)
In addition to the search engine, here are some alternatives to make our opinions more accessible:
- Subject Matter Index (2015 and later)
- Recent Broadcasts (past 12 months)
- Searchable Opinion Digests (2013 and later)
- Learning Corner (educational/reference materials on selected topics)
Note: For best results using our current search engine, please consult our Search Help page.
Inquiry Status
Once the Committee meets and decides an inquiry (see Meeting Dates), the inquiring judge may call us at 1-866-795-8343 to learn the disposition immediately by telephone.
A formal written opinion will follow in due course. (Note: During phase 1 and 2, we will continue to email each opinion initially.)