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. Margaret T. Walsh (ret.) |
Chief Counsel: | Laura L. Smith, Esq. |
Next Meeting
Inquiries received by December 1 will be heard on December 14, 2023.
(After that, inquiries received by January 19 will be heard on February 1, 2024.)
Contact Information
Telephone: 1-866-795-8343 (toll free)
E-Mail: part100@nycourts.gov (see guidelines).
Mailing Address (see guidelines):
Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics
c/o Laura L. Smith, Esq., Chief Counsel
25 Beaver Street, 8th floor
New York, NY 10004
New or Notable
- Opinion 23-69 says judicial candidates may publicly identify themselves as “pro choice” or “pro life” during their window period, provided they also make clear that they will decide all cases fairly and impartially and in accordance with governing law (Jun 2023).
- Opinion 23-43 says a judicial candidate may appear in joint campaign advertisements only with candidates who make up the slate of which the judicial candidate is a part. It also provides guidance on the meaning of "slate" in this context (Mar 2023).
- Other Highlights (Aug 2023)
- Recently Released (ongoing)
Self-Help (Finding Opinions)
Our search page provides access to the search engine and other resources. Here are some additional alternatives:
- Subject Matter Index (2015 and later)
- Learning Corner (reference materials on selected topics, including Judiciary Law § 9)
- Searchable Opinion Digests (2009 and later)
Inquiry Status
Call us at 866-795-8343 after the meeting to learn the disposition of your own inquiry.
A formal written opinion will follow in due course.