Indicate whether the following behavior is proper or improper for a clerk (P,I): Using court stationary to offer a product or service for purchase to earn extra money.

• A. Proper
• B. Not Ethical
• C. Improper
• D. Not Addressed

Answer: (C)

Using court stationery for personal business uses official resources for private gain, which is improper. Court stationery belongs to the judiciary and is meant to support official functions, not to promote or sell products or services for profit. When a clerk leverages those materials to offer something for purchase, it creates a conflict of interest and the appearance that official duties could be influenced by personal gain, undermining public trust in the court. It also risks waste or misallocation of government resources and may violate court policies and laws governing the use of government property. For these reasons, this behavior is not allowed.