RCW 2.64.010 Definitions—Application. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter. (1) “Admonishment” means a written disposition of an advisory nature that cautions a judge or justice not to engage in certain proscribed behavior. An admonishment may include a requirement that the judge or justice follow a specified […]
RCW 2.64.020 Membership—Terms. The commission shall consist of eleven members. One member shall be a judge selected by and from the court of appeals judges; one member shall be a judge selected by and from the superior court judges; one member shall be a judge selected by and from the limited jurisdiction court judges; two […]
RCW 2.64.030 Disqualification—Vacancies—Limitations on terms—Alternates—Removal. Commission membership shall terminate if a member ceases to hold the position that qualified him or her for appointment. Vacancies caused by disqualification or resignation shall be filled by the appointing authority for the remainder of the term. No person may serve more than two consecutive four-year terms. A person […]
RCW 2.64.040 Compensation and travel expenses. Commission members and alternate members shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.250 and shall be reimbursed for travel expenses under RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060. [ 1984 c 287 § 8; 1981 c 268 § 5.] NOTES: Legislative findings—Severability—Effective date—1984 c 287: See notes following RCW 43.03.220.
RCW 2.64.050 Employment of personnel—Expenditures authorized. The commission may employ personnel, including attorneys, and make any other expenditures necessary for the effective performance of its duties and the exercise of its powers. The commission may hire attorneys or others by personal service contract to conduct initial proceedings regarding a complaint against a judge or justice. […]
RCW 2.64.055 Disciplinary actions authorized. The commission is authorized to impose the following disciplinary actions, in increasing order of severity: (a) Admonishment; (b) reprimand; or (c) censure. If the conduct of the judge or justice warrants more severe disciplinary action, the commission may recommend to the supreme court the suspension or removal of the judge […]
RCW 2.64.057 Investigation of conduct occurring prior to, on, or after December 4, 1980. The commission is authorized to investigate and consider for probative value any conduct that may have occurred prior to, on, or after December 4, 1980, by a person who was, or is now, a judge or justice when such conduct relates […]
RCW 2.64.060 Administration of oaths—Powers as to witnesses, papers, books, etc.—Subpoenas. Each member of the commission, and any special master appointed by the commission, may administer oaths. The commission may summon and examine witnesses and compel the production and examination of papers, books, accounts, documents, records, certificates, and other evidence for the determination of any […]
RCW 2.64.070 Refusal to obey subpoena—Powers of superior court. If a person refuses to obey a subpoena issued by the commission or refuses to answer any proper question during a hearing or proceeding, the superior court of any county in which the hearing or proceeding is conducted or in which the person resides or is […]
RCW 2.64.080 Privilege from suit. Members and employees of the commission, including any lawyers or special masters temporarily employed by the commission, are absolutely privileged from suit in any action, civil or criminal, based upon any disciplinary proceedings or upon other official acts as members or employees of the commission. Statements made to the commission […]
RCW 2.64.092 Administrative procedure act not applicable. The adjudicative proceedings, judicial review, and civil enforcement provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW, the administrative procedure act, do not apply to any investigations, initial proceedings, public hearings, or executive sessions involving the discipline or retirement of a judge or justice. [ 1989 c 367 § 7.] NOTES: Contingent […]
RCW 2.64.094 Suspension of judge or justice. If the commission adopts a recommendation that a judge or justice be removed, the judge or justice shall be suspended, with salary, from his or her judicial position upon filing of the recommendation with the supreme court and until a final determination is made by the supreme court. […]
RCW 2.64.096 Disclosure of material tending to negate determination. Whenever the commission determines that there is probable cause to believe that a judge or justice has violated a rule of judicial conduct or that the judge or justice suffers from a disability which is permanent or likely to become permanent and which seriously interferes with […]
RCW 2.64.100 Proposed operating budgets—Reports to legislature. The commission shall prepare and present to the legislature proposed operating budgets for the commission in accordance with the provisions of chapter 43.88 RCW. The commission shall report to the legislature in the manner required by law, with due regard for the confidentiality of proceedings before the commission. […]
RCW 2.64.111 Exemption from public disclosure—Records subject to public disclosure, when. All pleadings, papers, evidence records, and files of the commission, including complaints and the identity of complainants, compiled or obtained during the course of an investigation or initial proceeding involving the discipline or retirement of a judge or justice, are exempt from the public […]
RCW 2.64.113 Confidentiality—Violations. The commission shall provide by rule for confidentiality of its investigations and initial proceedings in accordance with Article IV, section 31 of the state Constitution. Any person violating a rule on confidentiality is subject to a proceeding for contempt in superior court. [ 1989 c 367 § 9.] NOTES: Contingent effective date—1989 […]
RCW 2.64.115 Application of open public meetings act—Exemptions. The commission is subject to the open public meetings act, chapter 42.30 RCW. However, investigations, initial proceedings, public hearings, and executive sessions involving the discipline or retirement of a judge or justice are governed by this chapter and Article IV, section 31 of the state Constitution and […]
RCW 2.64.120 Independent part of judicial branch. The commission shall for all purposes be considered an independent part of the judicial branch of government. [ 1981 c 268 § 13.]
