U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is no stranger to conservative political fundraisers, having attended events hosted by the partisan magazine, American Spectator. Alito apparently sees no problem with his presence at events that favor Republican candidates—despite the fact that such activity stands in violation of the Code of Conduct for United States Judges.

 

Canon 5 of the judicial code clearly states a judge should not “solicit funds for, pay an assessment to, or make a contribution to a political organization or candidate, or attend or purchase a ticket for a dinner or other event sponsored by a political organization or candidate.”

 

On April 30, 2009, Alito was the featured speaker at a fundraiser for the conservative Intercollegiate Studies Institute, publisher of former Pennsylvania Republican Senator Rick Santorum.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

Supreme Court Justice Sam Alito Dismisses His Profligate Right-Wing Fundraising As ‘Not Important’ (by Lee Fang, Think Progress)

Guide to Judiciary Policy page 16, Canon 5:.a (3) (U.S. Courts) (pdf)