The Limits Of Supportive Parenting

The South Carolina Advisory Committee on Standards of Judicial Conduct opines on a judge’s involvement in an adult child’s political campaign.

OPINION NO. 01 – 2024

RE: Propriety of a circuit court judge’s involvement in adult child’s political campaign.

FACTS

A circuit court judge inquires as to whether Opinion 14-2003, which opined as to a family court’s judge’s involvement in a spouse’s political campaign, would apply to the judge’s involvement in his/her adult child’s political campaign.

CONCLUSION

A circuit court judge may participate in an adult’s child’s political campaign provided thejudge follows the limitations outlined in Opinion 14-2003.

OPINION

In Opinion 14-2003, we found that a family court judge could attend events for the spouse’s political campaign (including fundraising events) and appear in campaign ads, etc. provided the judge’s title was not used or referenced. We see no reason to deviate from that opinion in the current situation, involving a circuit court judge and the campaign of the judge’s adult child. The judge is cautioned not to lend the prestige of his or her title to the campaign, but to appear only as a supportive parent. Opinion 14-2003 is attached hereto 

(Mike Frisch)