Judges could be reprimanded for incompetence in the performance of their duties.

• A. Judges could be reprimanded for incompetence in the performance of their duties.
• B. Reprimands are only issued to clerks, not judges.
• C. Judges can only be removed for misconduct, not incompetence.
• D. Judges are never reprimanded for incompetence.

Answer: (A)

Judicial accountability includes a range of disciplinary actions, and reprimands are a valid response to poor performance. A reprimand is a formal censure that acknowledges incompetence in carrying out duties and encourages improvement, without immediately removing the judge from office. The idea that reprimands apply only to clerks is incorrect because judges are also subject to ethical standards and can be disciplined for incompetence. It’s also not true that removal is the only remedy—serious cases can lead to removal, but lesser measures like reprimands are appropriate when performance falls short. And obviously, judges can be reprimanded; such sanctions exist to maintain the integrity of the judiciary.