Which statement about court letterhead is true?

• A. A municipal court clerk may use court letterhead to write a recommendation for a deputy court clerk seeking another job.
• B. A municipal court clerk may use court letterhead for a personal shopping list.
• C. A municipal court clerk may use court letterhead to sign a political petition.
• D. A municipal court clerk may not use court letterhead under any circumstances.

Answer: (A)

Court letterhead represents the court’s official authority and should be reserved for communications tied to the court’s duties. Writing a recommendation for a deputy court clerk who is seeking another job fits that role because it involves a formal, credible endorsement of the employee’s qualifications and is part of professional staffing processes. Using letterhead for a personal shopping list would mix private matters with official authority, which is inappropriate. Signing a political petition on letterhead would imply official court support for a political stance, which public offices should avoid. Saying letterhead may never be used is too broad, since legitimate, job-related references and notices can fall within approved uses of official stationery. So, using court letterhead to provide a recommendation for a deputy pursuing a new opportunity is appropriate.