On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct issued its annual report, revealing a record number of complaints against judges in 2024. The Commission received a total of 3,353 complaints, marking a significant increase of 12% from the previous record of 2,982 complaints in 2023. This figure also represents a 37% rise compared to the five-year average of 2,443 complaints annually.
The Commission’s report highlights that it rendered 24 public decisions in 2024, with 16 resulting in removals or permanent resignations from judicial office. The report is part of the Commission’s 2025 Annual Report, which details its activities and findings from the previous year.
In addition to the record number of complaints, the Commission conducted 537 preliminary inquiries and launched 363 full-fledged investigations, comprising 159 new cases and 204 ongoing investigations carried over from 2023. The report indicates that 11 judges faced public discipline; three judges were removed from their positions, three received censure, and five were admonished. Furthermore, 13 judges resigned and agreed to never return to judicial office, while seven other judges resigned amidst pending complaints without a determination of their permanent status.
Confidential cautionary letters were issued to 23 judges, and at the end of the year, 212 matters remained pending with the Commission. Established in 1978 as an independent agency under the New York State Constitution, the Commission evaluates and investigates complaints of judicial misconduct and disciplines judges for ethical violations.
Throughout its history, the Commission has rendered public decisions against 969 judges, including 185 removals and 144 resignations with agreements to refrain from returning to the judiciary. The 2025 Annual Report also includes commentary on pending legislation aimed at enhancing the Commission’s authority to hold judges accountable.
A notable piece of proposed legislation, passed by the Senate in 2024, contains three key provisions that the Commission has long advocated for. First, it would allow the Commission to complete formal disciplinary proceedings and impose sanctions on judges who have left office before investigations conclude. Second, the Commission’s proceedings would become public upon formal charges of misconduct, aligning with practices in 38 other states. Lastly, the Commission would submit its annual budget request directly to the Legislature, reflecting its constitutional independence.
The report also addresses issues related to the misuse of judicial titles in personal email addresses. In 2022, a part-time attorney judge faced censure for using the title “judge” in her personal email while representing clients. Despite assurances to change the email address, she did not comply, resulting in a new investigation and her resignation in 2024. The Commission reiterated the importance for judges to be cautious about their judicial titles in personal affairs.
Additionally, the Commission has previously highlighted the need for reforms in the appointment and oversight of court-appointed fiduciaries. It has stated that if a fiduciary is suspected of wrongdoing and a judge is believed to have been negligent in their oversight, the Commission may investigate and hold the judge accountable.
The Commission expressed satisfaction with Governor Kathy Hochul’s Executive Budget proposal for the fiscal year starting April 1, 2025, which includes a requested budget of $9,330,000—an increase of $430,000 from the previous year. This funding is intended to accommodate contractual cost increases and fill vacant positions.
Chair Joseph W. Belluck and Administrator Robert H. Tembeckjian issued statements emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to uphold the integrity of the judiciary.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
