publications_unodc_commentary-e

(e)(f)(g)(h)Rewards and prizes given to competitors in random drawings, contestsor other events that are open to the public and awarded based onfactors other than judicial status;Scholarships and fellowships awarded on the same terms and based onthe same criteria applied to any applicant who is not a judge;Reimbursement or waiver of charges for travel-related expenses,including the cost of transportation, lodging, and meals for the judgeand a relative, incident to the judge’s attendance at a function oractivity devoted to the improvement of the law, the legal system, or theadministration of justice.Reasonable compensation for legitimate and permitted extra-judicialactivities.Social hospitality180. The line between “ordinary social hospitality” and an improper attempt togain the judge’s favour is sometimes difficult to draw. The context is important, andno one factor will usually determine whether it is proper for the judge to attend theevent or not. One question that should be asked is whether acceptance of suchhospitality would adversely affect the judge’s independence, integrity, the obligationto respect the law, impartiality or dignity or the timely performance of judicialduties, or appear to involve infractions of any of these. Other questions that shouldbe considered are: Is the person initiating the social contact an old friend or recentacquaintance? Does the person have an unfavourable reputation in the community?Is the gathering large or intimate? Is it spontaneous or has it been arranged? Doesanyone attending have a case pending before the judge? Is the judge receiving abenefit not offered to others that will reasonably excite suspicion or criticism?118