Can a judge serve as a fiduciary?

A judge serving as a fiduciary typically raises important ethical considerations related to conflicts of interest, impartiality, and the maintenance of judicial integrity. In most jurisdictions, judges are strictly prohibited from serving in fiduciary roles, such as executors or trustees, for estates or trusts managed outside their family relationships.

When considering the option that states a judge can serve as a fiduciary only in relation to family members' estates or trusts, this aligns with common ethical standards that permit judges to take on such roles provided they do not create conflicts with their judicial duties. Judges are expected to avoid any involvement that could result in actual or perceived partiality, and serving as a fiduciary to a family member usually does not pose the same ethical concerns as taking on fiduciary responsibilities for unrelated parties.

In essence, the answer reflects a nuanced understanding of the delicate balance judges must maintain between their professional obligations and personal relationships, allowing limited exceptions for family members while maintaining the integrity of the judiciary.