How are most misconduct or disability matters resolved within the Judiciary?
Many of the misconduct or disability matters, if they have any merit to them, can be resolved informally. Most do not have merit. They’re filed by litigants who are unhappy with the results of court adjudications and, rather than taking an appeal, or in conjunction with an appeal, they decide to file a complaint against the judge. The Act is not designed to address allegations of legal error that occurs within the court system. That’s what appeals are for. Of the complaints that are filed, less than 5 percent—perhaps as few as 3 percent—raise any kind of legitimate issue. Of those within that small percentage that have some merit, we encourage informal resolution where appropriate. Many of these complaints or grievances against a particular judge may have to do with demeanor in court, or with excessive delay in rendering decisions. Problems like these may be solved by simply speaking to the judge. In one instance that I personally dealt with, litigants complained that a judge was falli
