NCJ Number
216169
Date Published
2006
Length
259 pages
Annotation
This report presents activities conducted by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct for 2005.
Abstract
In 2005, the Commission received 1,565 new complaints. This was recorded as the highest number of complaints ever. Preliminary inquiries were conducted in 366 of these. As of January 1, 2005, there were pending Formal Written Complaints in 39 matters involving 28 different judges. In addition, Formal Written Complaints were authorized in 37 additional matters involving 24 different judges. The Commission rendered 24 formal disciplinary determinations in 2005: 4 removals, 15 censures, and 5 admonitions. In addition, six matters were disposed of by stipulation made public by agreement of the parties. The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct is designated by the State constitution to review complaints of misconduct against judges of the State Unified Court System which includes over 3,400 judges and justices. The Commission enforces high standards of conduct for judges who must be held accountable for misconduct. In the past 14 years, the number of complaints received by the Commission has substantially increased compared to the first 17 years of the Commission’s existence. Since 1996, the Commission has averaged over 1,430 new complaints per year, 400 preliminary inquiries, and 200 investigations. Last year, a record number of complaints (1,565) were received and processed and a record number were investigated (260). This report covers Commission activities for the period from January 1 through December 31, 2005.