COMMITTEE ON CODES OF CONDUCT
ADVISORY OPINION NO. 78
Disqualification When the Judge Is a Utility Ratepayer or Taxpayer.
Judges have inquired concerning disqualification when a party to
the proceeding is a utility of which the judge is a customer, or a governmental
entity to which the judge pays taxes.
The Committee advises that mere status as a utility ratepayer, or
as a taxpayer, is not in itself disqualifying. If the outcome of the proceeding
could uniquely affect the amount to be paid by the judge to the utility,
or in taxes, disqualification under Canon 3C(1)(c) would be required.
August 27, 1985
Reviewed July 10, 1998