Advisory Committee on the Code of Judicial Conduct
Fogarty Judicial Annex
24 Weybosset Street, Providence RI 02903
(401) 222-3270
(Pursuant to Supreme Court Article 6, Rule 1)

 

Members: The Honorable Patricia D. Moore, Associate Judge, District Court, Chair The Honorable Michael A. Silverstein, Associate Justice, Superior Court The Honorable Howard I. Lipsey, Associate Justice, Family Court The Honorable Lillian M. Almeida, Associate Judge, Traffic Tribunal  The Honorable Janette A. Bertness, Associate Judge, Workers' Compensation Court Elizabeth A. Del Padre, Staff Attorney

In 1983 the Supreme Court amended the Canons of Judicial Ethics to create the Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics. The amendment restricts judicial participation in testimonials and fundraising and establishes criteria for determining the appropriateness of a judge's involvement in these events. The amendment also specifies that advisory commit tee members be drawn from several state courts "to assist judges in complying with the canons by responding to requests for opinions.
Advisory opinions are often sought to determine whether a token of recognition offered to a judge falls within the guidelines of the canon. These opinions also help judges communicate the restrictions imposed by the canons to groups requesting their help in worthy causes. The committee also can respond to requests for advice on other canons.
Committee members are appointed to staggered two-year terms. The Supreme Court usually appoints members for a single term only so that both the burden and the experience of this duty are shared widely by members of the Judiciary.
In 1994 the Supreme Court ruled that judicial advisory opinions are a matter of public record and that confidentiality of the requesting judge's name is not required.
The committee received three requests for advisory opinions in 1997. The committee issued one advisory opinion and two were withdrawn.