Character Reference: Opinion 10-17

NYS Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics

Character Reference

Appearance of Impropriety

Opinion 10-17

Background: A part-time judge asked whether he may be a character reference for a friend applying for a pistol permit. The judge states that the application must include four letters of recommendation.

Opinion: A part-time town justice may not serve, voluntarily, as a character reference for a friend who is applying for a pistol permit. In prior opinions, the committee advised that a part-time judge, who is also an attorney, could not write a reference letter to a sheriff for a pistol permit, even if the judge did not use his official judicial stationary.