NCJ Number
126101
Date Published
1990
Length
190 pages
Annotation
This report highlights the activities of the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct during 1989.
Abstract
The Commission reviews complaints of misconduct against judges of the New York State unified court system and helps to enforce the obligation of judges to observe high standards of conduct while safeguarding the independence of the judiciary. In 1989, 1171 new complaints were received. Of these, 976 (83 percent) were dismissed upon initial review, and 195 investigations were authorized and commenced. There were also 161 investigations and proceedings on formal charges pending from the previous year. Numerous figures are included to illustrate the types of complaints received and their dispositions. Brief descriptions are provided for those cases in which the judge was removed from office. Particular areas of concern to the Committee were also discussed, such as violations of rights, coercion of pleas, and improper ex parte communication with defense attorneys. Appendixes include a history of the development of the Commission and a description of its authority and procedures. 10 tables, 5 appendixes, and 4 references.