QUESTION: Will the Judicial Ethics Committee advise a justice of the peace whether it is ethical to raise campaign funds by direct mail to his constituents?

ANSWER: Whether the raising of campaign funds, either before or after election, by direct mail is lawful or unlawful requires a legal opinion. Giving legal opinions is beyond the scope of the function of the Judicial Ethics Committee. The Committee would note that if such procedure was unlawful, it obviously would be unethical. Canon 5C(1) sets forth guidelines for a judge's financial and business dealings.*

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*Canon 5C(1) was amended effective December 19, 1989.