Are complaints confidential?
Initially, complaints, and the fact that a complaint has been made, are confidential. Many complaints are completely investigated without notifying the judge of the investigation. In the course of investigation, the judge may be provided an opportunity to respond to the allegations. The complainant may be identified if the judge could not respond without such identification. In some instances, the nature of the complaint will itself identify the complainant. If the initial proceedings reveal probable cause that a violation has occured, a formal Statement of Charges is served on the judge and the statement is made public, as are all subsequent documents filed thereafter. Fact-finding hearings are public and witnesses may be subpoenaed to testify. At the public hearing, the Commission files the finding of probable cause and records upon which it based its decision to conduct a hearing. These records may include a copy of the complaint. More info on confidentiality. Return to top.
