General Laws of Massachusetts (Last Updated: January 16, 2020) |
PART III COURTS, JUDICIAL OFFICERS AND PROCEEDINGS IN CIVIL CASES |
TITLE I. COURTS AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS |
CHAPTER 211C. COMMISSION ON JUDICIAL CONDUCT |
SECTION 8. Informal adjustment; sanctions
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(1) With the agreement of the judge, the commission may by informal adjustment dispose of a complaint at any stage of the proceedings by:
(a) informing or admonishing the judge that his conduct is or may be cause for discipline;
(b) directing professional counseling and assistance for the judge;
(c) imposing conditions on the judge's conduct; or
(d) persuading a judge to retire voluntarily.
(2) The commission may dismiss a sworn complaint, a statement of allegations or a formal statement of charges as unjustified or unfounded at any stage during the proceedings.
(3) The commission may issue a private reprimand with the consent of the judge.
(4) The commission may recommend to the supreme judicial court one or more of the following sanctions:
(a) removal;
(b) retirement;
(c) imposition of discipline as an attorney;
(d) imposition of limitations or conditions on the performance of judicial duties;
(e) public or private reprimand or censure;
(f) imposition of a fine;
(g) assessment of costs and expenses;
(h) imposition of any other sanction which is reasonable and lawful.