§ 8 — Informal adjustment; sanctions

Massachusetts § 8

• Jurisdiction: Massachusetts
• Part III: COURTS, JUDICIAL OFFICERS AND PROCEEDINGS IN CIVIL CASES
• Title I: COURTS AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS
• Ch. 211C: COMMISSION ON JUDICIAL CONDUCT

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Section 8. (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.