Opinion 73-9
June 15, 1973

Canon 2;4;5;6

TO: MEMBERS, STANDARDS OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT

FROM: GUNTER STEPHENSON

Gentlemen:

Recently, by telephone conversation, a circuit judge asked me:

"Is it improper for a circuit Judge to invest in real estate mortgages that encumber lands lying outside of the Judge's Circuit"?

I orally advised the judge that as long as neither he nor any member of the bench in his circuit would be involved in the collection or foreclosure of said mortgages, I saw no impropriety in these investments.

If you have an opinion different from the above, please advise me promptly. Should a majority of you disagree with me, I will immediately notify the inquiring judge.

/s/ GUNTER STEPHENSON as Chairman, Committee on Standards of Judicial Conduct

GS:jss

cc: all members