Opinion  Opinion 92-9

Date:	12/02/1992
Organization:	Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

Ethical Opinions for Clerks of the Courts

Serving as volunteer on the Regional Advisory Council of the ***** Partnership to Reduce Drug Abuse.

Dear Clerk:

This is in response to your letter to the Advisory Committee dated October 28, 1992. In your letter, you request the Committee's opinion as to whether you may serve in a voluntary capacity on the Regional Advisory Council of the Partnership to Reduce Drug Abuse.

After reviewing your request and the accompanying material, the Advisory Committee is of the opinion that your serving on the Council would not conflict with the provisions of the Code of Professional Responsibility for Clerks of the Courts. The type of service which you are considering appears to be allowed under the provisions of Canon 4 (D) which states that "A Clerk-Magistrate may use his or her title to engage in activity to improve the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice . . .". Canon 4 (E) also contemplates the appointment of a Clerk-Magistrate to a governmental committee or commission in connection with activities to improve the law, the legal system or the administration of justice. Of course, the Code's provisions on impartiality, (see Canons 4 and 5), must be observed in connection with any such service.

In sum, it is the opinion of the Advisory Committee that your membership on the Regional Advisory Council would not conflict with the Code.