Preamble
The regulation of judicial conduct is critical to preserving the integrity of the judiciary and enhancing public confidence in the judicial system. Such regulation should provide a fair and reasonable process for the handling of complaints and inquiries about members of the judiciary concerning their conduct and ability to perform judicial duties.
These rules are adopted pursuant to Washington State Constitution, Article IV, Section 31. The rules balance a number of competing interests: The public interest that complaints against judges are given serious consideration and that judges are held to high standards of behavior; the rights of judges to fair treatment in the disposition of complaints against them; the interest of judges and complainants in the confidentiality of complaints; the public interest in encouraging participation in the disciplinary process by protecting complainants and witnesses from retribution or harassment; and the interest of the judges and the public in having judicial disciplinary complaints resolved promptly and accurately.
All proceedings before the commission on judicial conduct involving judges as defined in these rules shall proceed exclusively under the rules set forth in this chapter.