New rules apply to judges, lawyers as ’09 begins

So reads the headline of this story from the Advocate.

Here's a gaping loophole:

Judges may accept “ordinary social hospitality,” according to the recently revised Code of Judicial Conduct. However, the total value of food, drink and refreshments should not exceed $50 for each event, including meals, receptions, meetings and other social activities.

“The total value of the food, drink or refreshment provided to the judge shall be determined by dividing the total cost of the food, drink and refreshment provided at the event by the total number of persons invited, whether formally or informally,” the rule states.

Otherwise, judges have to make certain financial disclosures, and non-citizen lawyers may be practice (pro hac vice, I'm assuming) if they have 14 hours of ABA-approved education. Posted by MBC at January 6, 2009 08:15 PM