When the ACJC receives a complaint, it reviews the information submitted to make sure that the judge has been accused of something that actually violates the Judicial Code of Conduct. After the review, the committee will either
- Dismiss the Complaint – If, after reviewing the complaint, the committee finds no wrongdoing by the judge, it will dismiss the complaint and inform the person who filed the complaint, in writing, of the dismissal; or
- Request an Investigation – If, after reviewing the complaint, the committee believes an investigation is necessary, it will direct staff to investigate the claims of misconduct made in the complaint.
Following an investigation, the committee may:
- Dismiss the complaint;
- Privately discipline a judge; or
- File formal charges against a judge.
Formal Complaints -- If, after reviewing a complaint, the committee believes formal charges should be filed against a judge, it will file a Formal Complaint.
What information is public?
All complaints filed with the ACJC and any action taken by the committee are confidential unless and until the committee files formal charges against a judge.
Formal complaints, answers to formal complaints and all further actions taken by the committee are public.
Once a judge files an answer, a public hearing is scheduled.
Following a hearing, the committee may recommend an outcome to the New Jersey Supreme Court. The New Jersey Supreme Court is the only body that may publicly discipline a judge.