Massachusetts General Laws ch. 211C sec. 8 – Informal adjustment; sanctions
Section 8. (1) With the agreement of the judge, the commission may by informal adjustment dispose of a complaint at any stage of the proceedings by:
Terms Used In Massachusetts General Laws ch. 211C sec. 8
- Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
(a) informing or admonishing the judge that his conduct is or may be cause for discipline;
(b) directing professional counseling and assistance for the judge;
(c) imposing conditions on the judge’s conduct; or
(d) persuading a judge to retire voluntarily.
(2) The commission may dismiss a sworn complaint, a statement of allegations or a formal statement of charges as unjustified or unfounded at any stage during the proceedings.
(3) The commission may issue a private reprimand with the consent of the judge.
(4) The commission may recommend to the supreme judicial court one or more of the following sanctions:
(a) removal;
(b) retirement;
(c) imposition of discipline as an attorney;
(d) imposition of limitations or conditions on the performance of judicial duties;
(e) public or private reprimand or censure;
(f) imposition of a fine;
(g) assessment of costs and expenses;
(h) imposition of any other sanction which is reasonable and lawful.