The Commission on Judicial Tenure and Discipline was created in 1974 and provides a forum for complaints against any justice or judge of the Supreme, the Superior, the Family, the District, the Workers' Compensation, or the Traffic Tribunal Courts as well as probate court judges. Following a formal hearing, the commission determines whether charges have been sustained. If eight members of the commission who were present throughout the hearing find that the charges have been sustained, the commission reports its finding to the Supreme Court and recommends a reprimand, a censure, a suspension, a removal or a retirement of the judge. The commission also may recommend immediate temporary suspension of the judge during the pendency of further proceedings. If charges have not been sustained, the complaint is dismissed, and the judge and the complaining party are notified.
All appointments are for three-year terms.