Which statement about the Commission's removal power is correct?

Which statement about the Commission's removal power is correct?

• A. The Commission can only censure judges, not remove them
• B. The Commission can remove judges but only with legislative approval
• C. The Commission has the authority to sanction and remove judges who violate standards.
• D. The Commission can appoint replacements for removed judges

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that the Commission on Judicial Conduct has broad disciplinary authority over judges who fail to meet ethical standards, up to and including removal. This power exists to keep judges accountable and to protect public trust in the judiciary. It isn’t limited to a simple warning or censure, and it does not require legislative approval to remove. The Commission does not appoint replacements for removed judges. When misconduct is serious, the Commission can impose removal as part of its sanctions, helping ensure judges who violate standards can be removed from office.

The key idea is that the Commission on Judicial Conduct has broad disciplinary authority over judges who fail to meet ethical standards, up to and including removal. This power exists to keep judges accountable and to protect public trust in the judiciary. It isn’t limited to a simple warning or censure, and it does not require legislative approval to remove. The Commission does not appoint replacements for removed judges. When misconduct is serious, the Commission can impose removal as part of its sanctions, helping ensure judges who violate standards can be removed from office.