Rule 3.4. Appointments to Governmental

Appointments to Governmental Positions A judge shall not accept appointment to a governmental committee, board, commission, or other governmental position, unless it is one that concerns the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice. (Effective Jan. 1, 2011.) COMMENT: (1) Rule 3.4 implicitly acknowledges the value of judges accepting appointments to entities that concern the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice. Even 79 in such instances, however, a judge should assess the appropriateness of accepting an appointment, paying particular attention to the subject matter of the appointment and the availability and allocation of judicial resources, including the judge’s time commitments, and giving due regard to the requirements of the independence and impartiality of the judiciary. (2) A judge may represent his or her country, state, or locality on ceremonial occasions or in connection with historical, educational, or cultural activities. Such representation does not constitute acceptance of a government position. (3) This rule is intended to prohibit a judge from participation in governmental committees, boards, commissions or other governmental positions that make or implement public policy unless they concern the law, the legal system or the administration of justice.