A municipal court clerk may accept gifts from his or her mother.

• A. True
• B. Not Addressed
• C. False
• D. Not Applicable

Answer: (A)

Gifts from immediate family are generally allowed for public officials because family relationships don’t create the same risk of improper influence as gifts from someone who has business before the office. The ethics focus is on preventing favors or perceived pressure from outsiders who could benefit from official actions; a gift from a mother doesn’t carry that same concern. So a municipal court clerk may accept a gift from his or her mother, provided the gift isn’t ex

travagant or tied to influencing duties, and local rules about reporting or disclosure are followed if applicable.