Does the Commission have jurisdiction over legal matters?
No. Our authority is limited to dealing with violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct adopted by the Washington State Supreme Court. (For the few exceptions to this rule, see FAQ: What is the difference between judicial misconduct and legal error?) The Commission does not have authority to review or reverse any judge’s decision. The remedy for dissatisfaction with a judge’s ruling requires following the steps provided by law, including appeal. The Commission is not a substitute for protecting your legal rights. You should contact a lawyer in private practice to protect your rights in civil matters. Return to top.
