The Board on Judicial Standards is an independent state agency that receives and acts upon complaints about Minnesota judges for judicial misconduct or wrongdoing. The board also handles judicial disability matters.
Since its inception, the Supreme Court has removed, involuntarily retired, and censured several judges based on the board's recommendation. Many more have been privately disciplined by the board.
Board on Judicial Standards
2025 Centre Pointe Blvd. Suite 180 Mendota Heights, MN 55120 Telephone - (651) 296-3999 Fax (651) 688-1865 TTY - use the State Relay service: call toll-free, 1-800-627-3529 E-mail - judicial.standards@state.mn.us(Complaints will not be accepted by e-mail)
It is the policy of the Minnesota Board on Judicial Standards to comply with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to our services.
The office is accessible to all visitors. Disability parking is available near the door of the building. All of our services are provided verbally on the phone or in writing. If you have a hearing disability, you can communicate with us by TTY using the State Relay service (call toll-free 1-800-627-3529).
If you require special accommodations, please make an appointment two weeks in advance letting us know of your needs, so we can have your information ready and make any necessary arrangements. For example, we can contract with a sign language interpreter or a foreign language interpreter. We can provide written information in different forms or larger type, and staff is available to read documents.
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Directions for filing a complaint
Any individual or group may file a complaint. Your complaint should be made in writing. Simply write a letter specifically describing the judge's conduct. Be sure to include the name of the judge, relevant dates, names of witnesses, and sources of information. You may wish to attach copies (do not send originals) of court documents or transcripts if these support your allegations against the judge. Complaints will not be accepted by e-mail.
If you have questions concerning the filing of a complaint, call the board's office at (651) 296-3999.
The board does not have jurisdiction over federal judges or lawyers. Complaints against lawyers should be directed to the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility, (651) 296-3952. Complaints against Administrative Law Judges and Workers' Compensation Judges, you should contact the Office of Administrative Hearings, (612) 341-7600, and federal judges should be directed to Michael Gans, Clerk, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, 316 N. Robert St, St. Paul, MN, 55101, (651) 848-1100.
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Dissatisfied with the judge's decision
The board does not have the authority to direct a judge to take legal action, or to review a case for judicial error, mistake or other legal grounds. These functions are for the state's appellate courts.
Allegations stemming from a judge's rulings or exercise of discretion do not provide a basis for board action, and personal dissatisfaction alone cannot be grounds for judicial investigation.
If you need advice or assistance about what to do next about your case, you should talk to a lawyer. If you seek to change the outcome of the case, discuss this with a lawyer without delay.
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Your complaint is acknowledged by letter. It is carefully reviewed by the board's legal staff and acted on by the board. Complaints that include supportable allegations of misconduct within the board's jurisdiction will be handled promptly as circumstances permit. The board may dismiss a complaint, conduct an inquiry or order a public hearing. In order of increasing severity, the board may issue letters of warning or public reprimand. In more serious cases, after a public hearing and recommendation from the board, the Supreme Court may impose public censure, removal or involuntary retirement.
You will receive notification of the action taken by the board.
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All proceedings of the board are confidential until the formal statement of complaint and response has been filed with the Minnesota Supreme Court. At any time, a judge under investigation may waive confidentiality. During the course of an investigation of a complaint, a complainant's identity will probably come to the attention of the judge unless the board considers the allegations do not fall within the board's jurisdiction. And, if the matter is sufficiently serious to warrant a hearing, a complainant may be called to testify at that hearing.
An absolute privilege attaches to any information or related testimony submitted to the board or its staff and no civil action against an informant, witness, or their counsel may be instituted or predicated on such information.
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1. Will my identity be revealed to the judge?
Code of Judicial Conduct REPLACED JULY 1, 2009
Table of Contents
Part I. Canons
1 A Judge Should Uphold the Integrity and Independence of the Judiciary
2 A Judge Shall Avoid Impropriety and the Appearance of Impropriety in All of the Judge's Activities
3 A Judge Shall Perform the Duties of the Office Impartially and Diligently
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The board has 10 members; one judge of the Court of Appeals, three trial judges, two lawyers who have practiced law in the state for at least 10 years, and four citizens who are not judges, retired judges, or lawyers. All members are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Members' terms are for four years and may be extended for an additional four years.
The present board members are:
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