Professional Documents
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COMMISSION
STAII RLPORT
State Commission on
Judicial Conduct
MARCH 2012
Sunset Advisory Commission
Representative Dennis Bonnen
Chair
Senator Robert Nichols
Vice Chair
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Ken Levine
Director
Cover photo: The Texas Capitol is a marvel of craftsmanship down to the smallest details. The beautifully carved
wood door frames are emphasized with elaborate, custom-designed bronze hinges and hardware produced especially
for the building by Sargent and Co. of New Haven, Connecticut, in the late 1880s. The eight inch by eight inch hinges
are inscribed with the words "Texas Capitol", decorated with incised designs of geometric and stylized foral motifs, and
weigh over seven pounds each.
STATE COMMlSSlON ON
|UDlClAL CONDUCT
SUNSET STAll REPORT
MARCH 2012
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1 e Texas Constitution Limits the Commissions Options to Hear
Major Cases in Open Proceedings ............................................................................ 7
2 Inconsistencies Between Its Statute and Rules Create the Potential for
Litigation and Ineciencies in the Commissions Operation ................................... 11
3 Lack of Access to Key Meetings and Records Limits Sunsets Ability
to Fully Assess the Commissions Oversight of Judges ............................................. 15
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Appendix A Court Structure of Texas ................................................................. 21
Appendix B Complaint Process ........................................................................... 23
Appendix C Complaints Filed/Disciplinary Actions by Type of Judge ............... 25
Appendix D Enforcement Process ....................................................................... 27
Appendix E Sanctions FY 2011 ........................................................................ 29
Appendix F Results of Sunset Survey of Complainants and Judges .................... 31
Appendix G Sta Review Activities .................................................................... 33
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judiciary, and in fiscal year 2011 half of all judges sanctioned were non attorney judges.
State Commission on Judicial Conduct Staff Report
Appendix C
March 2012 Sunset Advisory Commission