How are judges held accountable?
State judges are responsible for complying with the provisions of the Code of Judicial Conduct. Each state has a commission that can investigate breaches of conduct and impose sanctions for violations. There is also a code for federal judges and the federal judiciary has a mechanism for dealing with violations. Other ways in which judges can be held accountable include facing the voters in a contested or uncontested (retention) election or being required to participate in a judicial performance evaluation program. The judicial branch as a whole is accountable to the legislature or local funding body for wise use of appropriations.
