The Judicial Conduct Board is not the place to challenge or argue about judicial decisions you disagree with or are dissatisfied with. The Judicial Conduct Board addresses allegations of judicial misconduct or wrongdoing – not allegations of judicial error. The difference is important. The way to try to undo or reverse a judge’s ruling or decision – to claim the decision was legally wrong – is to file a motion for reconsideration with the judge or to file an appeal to a higher court.

The Judicial Conduct Board is the appropriate forum for a complaint that a judge treated you unfairly because of your race, gender, ethnicity or limited English proficiency. The Judicial Conduct Board is also the place to complain that a judge acted unethically or violated rules of judicial conduct – for example, allegations that a judge has taken bribes from a party in the case, has made improper referrals to attorneys for personal gain, has a conflict of interest in the case, or is failing to perform required judicial duties. The Judicial Conduct Board also will investigate allegations that a judge is mentally or physically unable to perform his or her duties.

Cases in which the JCB has prosecuted alleged misconduct and discipline has been imposed by the Court of Judicial Discipline include:

• Failing to render decisions in a timely manner
• Accepting gifts, including tickets to sporting events, from a party or lawyer involved in pending litigation
• Insulting litigants
• Using vulgar or profane language in court
• Sexual Harassment
• Improper use of court staff for electioneering
• Presiding over cases in which the judge’s relationship with a lawyer or party could call the judge’s impartiality into question