This bill establishes the Commission on Judicial Conduct, comprised of 3 judicial officers appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, one each from the Superior Court, the District Court and the Probate Court; 3 licensed attorneys appointed by the Chief Justice; and 3 members of the public appointed by the Governor. The bill charges the commission with receiving and investigating complaints, conducting hearings and making findings and recommendations to the Supreme Judicial Court concerning allegations that an Active or Active Retired Judge or Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, the Superior Court, the District Court or a county Probate Court has either engaged in actions or omissions that constitute grounds for discipline or has a mental or physical disability affecting the judge's or justice's judicial performance. The bill also directs the commission to hire an executive director to assist the commission in performing its duties, including by screening complaints and recommending dispositions to the commission; employing counsel, private investigators, hearing officers and other staff; administering the commission's budget; and preparing an annual report to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court and the joint standing committee of the Legislature with jurisdiction over judiciary matters. Finally, the bill authorizes the Supreme Judicial Court to establish an advisory committee with the authority to issue advisory opinions interpreting the Maine Code of Judicial Conduct.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text LD 1810, HP 1211: 4.9, 5.12004