On Thursday, May 29, 2025, the Louisiana Supreme Court announced amendments to its rules on judicial discipline, aligning with a recent change to the state constitution.
The court issued two orders modifying Supreme Court Rule XXIII to reflect updates to Article V, Section 25, which expanded the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana by adding five new members and broadened the court’s authority in handling judicial discipline cases.
The first order, signed on April 9, 2025, clarified the definition of a quorum for the Judiciary Commission. The second order, dated May 16, 2025, introduced “malfeasance in office” as a new ground for judicial discipline. It also established procedures allowing the Supreme Court to launch investigations through the Judiciary Commission and to provisionally disqualify judges during such investigations.
Additionally, the order permits complainants to appeal to the Supreme Court if they are unsatisfied with the Judiciary Commission’s response to a complaint following an investigation. The court now has the power to refer cases for a hearing after an appeal or a court-initiated investigation, and can impose costs to cover expenses for substitute judges during interim disqualifications. The amendments also allow exceptions to the court’s confidentiality rules to support its expanded oversight.
The Judiciary Commission, a constitutionally established body separate from the Supreme Court, is responsible for investigating allegations of judicial misconduct, collecting evidence, conducting hearings, and making disciplinary recommendations to the court. The Supreme Court is authorized to set the procedural rules for the commission. Both orders took effect immediately upon signing.
