020720 MSEO, ETH 20-003-E

Case DateFebruary 07, 2020
CourtMississippi
ETH 20-003-E
Ethics Advisory Opinion No. 20-003-E
Mississippi Ethics Commission
Mississippi Ethics Opinion
February 7, 2020
         Tom Hood Executive Director and Chief Counsel          Ben H. Stone, Chairman Gulfport          Paul V. Breazeale, Vice Chairman Jackson          Dana S. Stringer, Secretary Brandon          Sean A. Milner Clinton          Ron Crowe Brandon          Stephen W. Burrow Pascagoula          Bobby Waites Brandon          Spencer M. Ritchie Jackson          Question Presented: May the mother-in-law of a newly appointed state court judge continue to serve as court administrator for that court?          Brief Answer: Yes. A mother-in-law is not included in the statutory definition of “relative.” Therefore, the mother-in-law of a newly appointed state court judge may continue to serve as court administrator for that court, and the judge will not violate Section 25-4-105(1), Miss. Code of 1972.          The Mississippi Ethics Commission issued this opinion on the date shown above in accordance with Section 25-4-17(i), Mississippi Code of 1972, as reflected upon its minutes of even date. The Commission is empowered to interpret and opine only upon Article IV, Section 109, Mississippi Constitution of 1890, and Article 3, Chapter 4, Title 25, Mississippi Code of 1972. This opinion does not interpret or offer protection from liability for any other laws, rules or regulations. The Commission based this opinion solely on the facts and circumstances provided by the requestor as restated herein. The protection from liability provided under Section 25-4-17(i) is limited to the individual who requested this opinion and to the accuracy and completeness of these facts.          I. LAW          The pertinent Ethics in Government Laws to be considered here are as follows:          Section 25-4-103, Miss. Code of 1972.          (l) “Pecuniary benefit” means benefit in the form of money, property, commercial interests or anything else the primary significance of...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT