NCJ Number
190683
Date Published
2001
Length
146 pages
Annotation
This annual report of the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct covers the period from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2000.
Abstract
The New York State Commission on Judicial conduct is the disciplinary agency designated by the State Constitution to review complaints of misconduct against judges of the State Unified Court System, which includes approximately 3,300 judges and justices. The Commission received 1,288 new complaints in 2000. Preliminary inquiries were conducted in 451 of these, requiring such steps as interviewing the attorneys involved, analyzing court files, and reviewing trial transcripts. In 215 matters, the Commission authorized full-fledged investigations, the second largest number in the Commission's history. In addition, there were 183 investigations pending from the previous year. A total of 135 complaints were dismissed outright; and 67 complaints that involved 63 judges were dismissed with letters of dismissal and caution. Seven complaints that involved seven judges were closed upon the judges' resignations. Six complaints that involved four judges were closed upon vacancy of office due to reasons other than resignation, such as the judge's retirement or failure to win re-election. Two complaints that involved two judges were closed upon the judges' removal on other charges. Thirty-six complaints that involved 27 judges resulted in formal charges being authorized. A total of 145 investigations were pending as of December 31, 2000. Details of investigations, proceedings, and dispositions are presented in this report. 10 tables and appended rules that govern judicial conduct and a statistical analysis of complaints