Frequently Asked Questions

Note: The following questions and answers were originally prepared by Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts, and are used with their permission.

Q.	What kinds of allegations will the Board consider?
A.	The Judicial Conduct Board ("Board") does not have the authority to consider all allegations involving judges. It is important to know this before you go to the trouble of filing a complaint. Read More >

Q.	Can I file a complaint against any Pennsylvania judge?
A.	The Board will only consider complaints against the following: Read More >

Q.	Will the Board consider complaints against former judges?
A.	If the judge against whom you have a complaint is no longer on the bench, the Board may still consider your complaint as long as it involves conduct that occurred while the judge was on the bench. Read More >

Q.	Are there any time limits on the filing of complaints?
A.	The Board will generally not consider any complaint where the alleged misconduct took place more than four years before Read More >

Filing a Complaint

Q.	How do I file a complaint?
A.	Anyone can file a complaint free of charge. You do not need a lawyer to file a complaint against a judge. Read More >

Q.	What does the "Confidential Complaint Questionnaire" ask?
A.	All complaints must identify the judge against whom the complaint is being filed Read More >

Q.	Do I have to identify myself when I file a complaint?
A.	No, but it is strongly encouraged that you do Read More >

Q.	Who sits on the Board?
A.	The Judicial Conduct Board consists of three judges, three lawyers and six non-lawyers. Read More >

Q.	What does the Board do once a complaint is received?
A.	The first step in the discipline process involves a preliminary inquiry into a complaint by the Board's staff Read More >

Q.	Are complaints to the Board confidential?
A.	Documents (including complaints) and evidence obtained by the Board are confidential. Read More >

Q.	Does the Board talk to the accused judge?
A.	Sometimes the Board wants to hear from the accused judge. Read More >

Q.	Are Board proceedings open to the public?
A.	Generally speaking, no. Almost all Board meetings and proceedings are closed to the public. Read More >

Q.	How long does it take before the Board makes a decision on a complaint?
A.	There are no fixed time limits within which the Board must act on a complaint. Read More >

Q.	Do I have any right to appeal if the Board dismisses my complaint?
A.	If the Board dismisses your complaint, you will be notified. However, that decision is final and cannot be appealed. Read More >

Q.	Who sits on the Court?
A.	The Court of Judicial Discipline ("Court") consists of four judges, two lawyers and two non-lawyers. Read More >

Q.	How does a case come before the Court?
A.	A case comes before the Court only if the Board decides to file formal charges against a judge. Read More >

Q.	What does the Court do once formal charges are filed?
A.	The Court operates likes a regular trial court and holds hearings on charges brought by the Board. Read More >

Q.	Are Court proceedings open to the public?
A.	Absolutely. Read More >

Q.	Is the identity of complainants confidential once formal charges are filed?
A.	Once formal charges are filed, there is no guarantee that a complainant's identity will remain confidential. Read More >

Q.	Will I have to testify before the Court?
A.	Possibly. Read More >

Q.	Does the accused judge have to testify before the Court?
A.	Just like in a criminal trial, the accused judge may testify Read More >

Q.	Once formal charges are filed with the Court, how long does it take before the Court makes its decision?
A.	There is no fixed time limit within which the Court must make its decision. Read More >

Q.	What kind of discipline can the Court impose on a judge?
A.	If the Court finds "clear and convincing evidence" of misconduct, it can impose various types of discipline Read More >

Q.	Can the Court impeach a judge?
A.	Many people believe that impeachment is done through the judicial discipline process--but this is not how it happens. Read More >

Q.	Can a judge appeal a Court ruling imposing discipline?
A.	A judge who has been disciplined by the Court of Judicial Discipline has a right to appeal that ruling Read More >

Q.	Can I appeal if the Court dismisses the Board's charges?
A.	Only the Board can appeal a Court ruling dismissing formal charges against a judge. Read More >

Q.	What is the Supreme Court's or special tribunal's role in judicial discipline?
A.	The Supreme Court (or special tribunal) handles judicial discipline matters Read More >