(a) Definition. In this Rule, “officer or employee of a court” includes the sheriff, deputy sheriffs, constables, officials and employees of a clerk's office, and other employees of an office serving a court.

(b) Prohibition. Except as expressly authorized by rule or law, an officer or employee of a court may not accept a gratuity, gift, or any compensation related to the officer's or employee's official duties, either directly or indirectly, from a litigant, an attorney, or any person regularly doing business with the court.

Cross reference: For definition of “person,” see Rule 1-202.

Committee note: This Rule is not intended to preclude contributions to or for elected public officials as authorized by and in conformance with the provisions of Code, Election Law Article, Title 13 or to the payment of fees provided for by law.

Source: This Rule is derived from former Rule 16-401 b (2016).