On Friday, April 25, 2025, Colorado Politics reported that the Colorado Judicial Ethics Advisory Board issued an opinion stating that a judge whose spouse is employed at a law firm cannot drive a vehicle that features the firm’s logo. Additionally, the judge is prohibited from parking the vehicle at his residence. However, the board stated that the judge may “occasionally” ride as a passenger in the promotional vehicle.
The advisory panel, composed of judges, attorneys, and a non-attorney member, provided this guidance following an inquiry from the judge regarding the implications of potentially purchasing a vehicle that met the law firm’s advertising criteria. The firm offers a stipend for a black car, no older than five years, displaying its logo, which raises concerns about the appearance of impartiality.
In its opinion issued on April 17, the panel outlined that even if the judge were not presiding over cases involving his wife’s employer, driving a car prominently displaying the firm’s branding could lead to a reasonable perception of partiality. The board emphasized that judges must avoid situations that could create the impression of influence from external parties.
The ethics board cited a previous ruling from 2005, which stated that a judge could not drive a vehicle adorned with a bumper sticker for a spouse’s political campaign. Though the scenarios differ, the underlying principle remains that judges should not utilize the status of their position to promote personal or others’ economic interests.
The panel further explained that allowing the promotional vehicle to be parked at the judge’s home is similar to permitting a political yard sign for a spouse on jointly owned property. Both actions could lead to perceptions that the judge is misusing the prestige of their judicial office for the benefit of another entity.
Regarding the possibility of riding in the promotional car, the ethics panel clarified that judges are permitted to accept benefits that are “incidental” to a family member’s employment. This includes attending events as a guest of a spouse. The board concluded that riding as a passenger in the promotional vehicle would be acceptable, provided it occurs only occasionally.
However, the board cautioned that if the judge were to ride in the vehicle frequently, it could create the same appearance of bias that the panel aimed to mitigate. The advisory board’s recommendations underscore the importance of maintaining public confidence in the impartiality of the judiciary.
Source: Colorado Politics
