How are your ethics instincts? Jot down your own answers, then check the answer key.
Rev. August 2024
1. Select One: May a judge or quasi-judicial official accept an offer to stay for free at the vacation home of an attorney who regularly appears in his/her court?
(a) Yes, this is ordinary social hospitality.
(b) Maybe, it depends on whether the accommodation is unusually lavish or luxurious.
(c) No. (Need a hint?)
2. Select One: A judge's long-time friend is applying for a pistol permit. Assuming the judge is not a firearm licensing officer, which of the following statements is most accurate:
(a) The judge may permit the applicant to provide the judge's name to firearm licensing officer. Should that licensing officer contact the judge, the judge may answer his/her questions based on personal knowledge.
(b) The judge may write a letter in support of the applicant based on personal knowledge, if asked by the applicant's attorney.
(c) Both (a) and (b).
(d) None of the above. (Need a hint?)
3. Yes/No: May a judge accept a youth leadership position with an Exploring Post that is to be administered and mentored by the local sheriff's office? (Need a hint?)
4. True/False: A judge may make non-political charitable contributions and/or be a regular member of the National Rifle Association or Planned Parenthood, but may not donate to their political arms or assume any leadership position with them. (Need a hint?)
5. Yes/No: May a judge continue to preside over a criminal matter after the defendant files a federal lawsuit against him/her, the arresting police officer, and others? May the judge preside over other matters in which the police officer appears? (Need a hint?)
6. Yes/No: May a sitting judge who is not in their window period pay $25 to a federal political campaign? (Need a hint?)
7. Select One: You have been invited to attend the wedding of an attorney who regularly appears before you as a wedding guest (not as officiant). You consider the attorney an acquaintance under 11-125. If you go, what are your obligations afterward when the attorney appears before you on behalf of a client?
(a) You are disqualified, subject to remittal, for two years.
(b) You must make full disclosure for two years, but may preside if you can be fair and impartial.
(c) You need not disclose or recuse, because the attorney is merely an acquaintance.
(d) None of the above because you must decline the invitation. (Need a hint?)
8. Yes/No: May a judge with relevant personal knowledge provide an affirmation of good moral character on behalf of a first-time applicant for admission to the bar? (Need a hint?)
9. Yes/No: May a judge whose child attends a local public school serve on, or stand for election to, a local school board? (Need a hint?)
10. Yes/No: After a judge’s adult child has been convicted and sentenced, may the judge attend and participate in the child’s subsequent parole hearing? (Need a hint?)
How did you do? Check the Answer Key.