Complaints Against Judges

It is essentially the responsibility of the courts to handle matters within their own jurisdiction, and if you believe that any form of a conflict of interest has occurred in the courtroom, you should first contact the presiding court judge. If you believe that this alternative is inappropriate for your complaint, then you should contact the Commission on Judicial Performance, which is a state constitutional agency.

Since the inception of the Commission on Judicial Performance, the Supreme Court has removed, involuntarily retired, or censured several judges based on the commission's recommendation. Many more have been privately disciplined by the commission.

The following are some types of judicial misconduct that may lead to discipline:

• Improper courtroom decorum which includes rude, abusive and otherwise improper treatment of parties, counsel, witnesses, jurors, court staff and others;
  
  
• Failing or refusing to dispose promptly of judicial business;
  
  
• Improper eccentric conduct while on the bench, such as sleeping or drunkenness;
  
  
• Improper influence which includes allowing family, social or political relationships to influence judicial decision- making;
  
  
• Conflict of interest;
  
  
• Giving or receiving gifts, bribes, loans or favors;
  
  
• Abusing the contempt power;
  
  
• Interfering with the attorney-client relationship;
  
  
• Communicating improperly with only one side to a proceeding;
  
  
• Commenting on or interfering with a pending or impending lawsuit;
  
  
• Engaging in improper political campaign activities;
  
  
• Misappropriating or misusing public property, funds or resources;
  
  
• Violating rules relating to court administration;
  
  
• Obstruction of justice, perjury, or filing a false document;
  
  
• Ticket fixing; and
  
  
• Non-court criminal court behavior.