When the state legislature reconvenes in Albany, the Assembly will have on its agenda a major bill, already passed in the Senate by a vote of 61-1, that would enhance the ability of the Commission on Judicial Conduct to hold judges accountable for any misconduct they may commit. (Bill numbers S4398 in the Senate, A4908 in the Assembly.)
Created by the State Constitution in 1978, the commission is responsible for investigating complaints of unethical behavior against the 3,400 judges of the state Unified Court System and, where appropriate, disciplining them with determinations of public admonition, public censure, or removal from office. The commission may also retire a judge for mental or physical disability, or confidentially caution a judge.
