Groups says gifts must still be reported but “personal hospitality” not required.
The U.S. Judicial Conference’s Committee on Financial Disclosure decided that judges and Supreme Court justices do not have to publicly disclose receiving acts of “personal hospitality,” even when offered by a business entity. The committee sets ethics standards for U.S. court leaders, and members intend for this new rule to offer “clarity” on the extent of appropriate gifts to judges and justices.
Though the committee maintained that justices must disclose gifts of any kind to avoid allegations of bribery, going to dine or staying overnight on a corporately owned property or place of residence does not have to be reported. The exception is if the property is regularly rented out or is a commercial property.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for the ethics committee as they determine the rules for federal justices and judges.
- For prudence for Supreme Court justices as they accept hospitality from moguls and others.
Sources: Reuters, MSN
