READ THIS FIRST>> The judicial conduct and disability review process cannot be used to challenge the correctness of a judge’s decision in a case. A judicial decision that is unfavorable to a litigant does not alone establish misconduct or a disability. An attorney can explain any rights you have as a litigant to seek review of a judicial decision. Here’s the link to learn more.
Step 1
Look for your state and click on the appropriate circuit. Complaints are filed through the circuit court.
- First Circuit (Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Puerto Rico)
- Second Circuit (Connecticut, New York, Vermont)
- Third Circuit (Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virgin Islands)
- Fourth Circuit (Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia)
- Fifth Circuit (Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas)
- Sixth Circuit (Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee)
- Seventh Circuit (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin)
- Eighth Circuit (Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota)
- Ninth Circuit (Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands)
- Tenth Circuit (Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, Wyoming)
- Eleventh Circuit (Alabama, Florida, Georgia)
- District of Columbia Circuit (District of Columbia)
- Federal Circuit
- Court of International Trade
- Court of Federal Claims
Step 2
Gather your evidence. Most complaints are dismissed because the complainant (that’s you) fails to include evidence of misconduct or disability.
Step 3
Complete your complaint. Per the Rules, you may use this form or the form on your circuit court’s website, above.
Step 4
Draft your “statement of facts.” It should be brief. Include what happened, when and where it happened, and any information that would help an investigator check the facts. If the complaint alleges judicial disability, also include any additional facts that form the basis of that allegation.
Step 5
Review the Rules of your circuit court, above. They can differ, and not following them can be fatal to your complaint.