NYS Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics – Full-time judge: Opinion 17-91

New York State Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics

Full-time judge

Appointment as hearing officer

Opinion 17-91

Background: The inquiring judge asks whether it is ethically permissible for him to permit a full-time city court judge to serve as an unpaid hearing officer under the Public Health Law to adjudicate a certain category of health-related violations. The appointment would be made by the county health commissioner.

Opinion: The Committee concluded that it is ethically impermissible for a full-time judge to serve as a hearing officer as it is not directly related to the improvement of the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice.