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.