Should a municipal court clerk report to the Commission on Judicial Conduct a judge's willful violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct?

• A. No; reporting is optional.
• B. Yes; inform the Commission or take other appropriate action if the violation raises a substantial question as to the judge's fitness for office.
• C. Only if the judge asks for guidance.
• D. Wait for a formal complaint to be filed.

Answer: (B)

When a judge willfully violates the Code of Judicial Conduct, the clerk has a duty to bring that information to the proper authority. Such misconduct undermines the integrity of the judiciary and public trust, so if it raises a substantial question about the judge’s fitness for office, the appropriate action is to inform the Commission on Judicial Conduct or take other suitable steps. This isn’t optional or dependent on the judge asking for guidance, and it isn’t something to wait on until a formal complaint is filed. The emphasis is on reporting misconduct that seriously calls into question a judge’s ability to serve.