The Committee on Judicial Ethics responds to written inquiries from New York state’s approximately 3,600 judges and justices, as well as hundreds of judicial hearing officers, support magistrates, court attorney-referees, and judicial candidates (both judges and non-judges seeking election to judicial office). The committee interprets the Rules Governing Judicial Conduct (22 NYCRR Part 100) and, to the extent applicable, the Code of Judicial Conduct. The committee consists of 27 current and retired judges, and is co-chaired by former associate justice George D. Marlow of the Appellate Division and Margaret Walsh, a Family Court judge and acting justice of the state Supreme Court.
Digest: (1) A judge who is dissatisfied with an attorney’s explanation of the propriety of his/her conduct in connection with a proposed default divorce decree must determine, based on the facts and circumstances known to the judge, whether there is a substantial likelihood that the attorney’s actions constitute a substantial violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct and, if so, must take appropriate action. (2) If the judge determines in good faith that he/she is legally permitted and/or legally required to sign the decrees, he/she may do so without violating the Rules Governing Judicial Conduct, assuming he/she can be fair and impartial and is not otherwise disqualified from presiding in matters involving the attorney. The committee suggests the judge consult with an administrative judge for assistance in navigating any applicable legal or administrative issues. Judiciary Law §212(2)(l); 22 NYCRR 100.2(A); 100.3(D)(2); Opinions 16-55; 15-138/15-144/15-166; 14-34; 09-137; 08-198.
