Who holds a judge accountable?
Judicial independence does not mean that judges have free reign. • If judges make errors in their decision, they can be corrected by a higher court of appeal. • If they act unethically they are subject to disciplinary action, including removal from office. In Oregon, there exists a Commission on Judicial Fitness and Disability. The commission consists of three judges appointed by the Supreme Court, three lawyers appointed by the Oregon State Bar and three citizens appointed by the governor. The commission investigates complaints of misconduct by Oregon judges, as defined in the Oregon Constitution and the Rules of Judicial Conduct. For more information on the Commission on Judicial Fitness and Disability, click here: http://bluebook.state.or.us/state/judicial/judicial36.htm • And, of course, citizens can vote at election time whether or not to retain a judge when his or her term is up. What are the different types of courts and judges? • Supreme Court: The Supreme Court of Oregon consi
