“Additionally, in the event that there’s a criminal conviction, this would likely open the door to a series of appellate issues, dragging out this lengthy process further and costing the public additional money.”
Even though the contributions were small – about $35 in total — Stephen Gillers, a legal ethics professor at New York University told CNN.com the American Bar Association Model Code of Judicial Conduct frowns upon the political donations.
“The contribution to Biden and possibly the one to ‘Stop Republicans’ would be forbidden unless there is some other explanation that would allow them,” said Gillers, who admitted the amount donated is negligible.