Updated: 21-Mar-2012
Welcome to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, the independent Texas state agency created by an amendment to the Texas Constitution in 1965, that is responsible for investigating allegations of judicial misconduct or judicial disability, and for disciplining judges.
The State Commission on Judicial Conduct consists of 13 Commission Members who each serve six-year terms, and a staff of 14.
The State Commission on Judicial Conduct has jurisdiction, or authority, over the following Texas judges:
- municipal judges;
- magistrates;
- justices of the peace;
- constitutional county judges who perform judicial duties;
- county court at law judges;
- statutory probate judges;
- district judges;
- appellate judges;
- retired and former judges, sitting by assignment; and
- associate judges and masters.
The Commission is governed by Article 5, Sec. 1-a, of the Texas Constitution, Chapter 33 of the Texas Government Code [pdf], and the Procedural Rules for the Removal or Retirement of Judges [pdf]. The basic standard that guides the ethical conduct of all judges in Texas is the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct [pdf].
Sunset Review [pdf] | Final Sunset Staff Report [pdf] | Agency Response to Sunset Recommendations [pdf]
RE: Aransas County Judge William Adams - Public Statement [pdf] | Order of Suspension [pdf]
REPORTING FRAUD: If an employee believes that another employee is committing fraud or otherwise stealing State Commission property or funds, he/she must report the activity to a supervisor, the General Counsel, the Director, or the Chair of the Commission. If an employee is not comfortable approaching any of the above-named individuals, he/she may report the activity to the State Auditor's Office. The SAO hotline is: 1-800-TX-AUDIT. You may also report online at the following link-- http://sao.fraud.state.tx.us.
Judges who need assistance because of alcoholism, substance abuse, addiction, or mental health issues may reach other judges, who are in recovery or who have gone through treatment, by calling a helpline sponsored by the American Bar Association. Both judges in need of help and those interested in serving as a peer-to-peer volunteer should call 800-219-6474 during business hours Central time. All information is confidential and protected by statute. The National Judges’ Assistance Helpline is a service of the ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs Judicial Assistance Initiative and administered by the Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program.
