Caudill v. Judicial Ethics Committee

While I find myself in agreement in the result the majority achieves, I cannot concur in their reasoning, it is for this reason that I write this separate concurrence. Judicial Ethics Opinion JE-88 interpreted Canon 3B(4) of the Judicial Code of Conduct and in brief, it found that it was a violation of this Canon to compensate a relative with state funds. Circuit Judge Danny P. Caudill sought guidance from the Judicial Ethics Commission regarding whether it was permissible for a judge to hire his wife as a secretary. JE-90, which was issued in response to Judge Caudill’s inquiry, stated…