RD1 - 2000 Activities of the Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission


Executive Summary:
In accordance with Section 2.1-37.8:1 of the Code of Virginia, the Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission makes the following report concerning its activities for the prior year:

1. The Commission continues to keep statistical information on all incoming telephone calls and correspondence. These inquiries are separated into categories indicating the source, nature of the inquiry, and whether a violation of the Canons of Judicial Conduct is alleged. The statistics are attached and made a part of this report.

2. Pamphlets describing the function of the Commission have been made available to the public and distributed to all the Clerks' offices of General District, Juvenile, and Circuit Courts. The pamphlet describes how complaints are initiated, the confidential nature of the proceedings, and the array of dispositions that might be made.

3. The Rules of the Commission have been revised to reflect the changes in the practices of the Commission. All written complaints that on their face allege a violation of the Canons of Judicial Conduct are reviewed by the Commission at a regular or special meeting. Telephone callers are encouraged to submit written complaints; however, telephone complaints may be accepted by staff, if concerning a. matter within the jurisdiction of the Commission.

4. The Commission has presented numerous educational programs concerning judicial ethics. These programs have been presented at local, regional, and state meetings for judges at all levels. Training programs for substitute judges were conducted throughout the state during October and November. These programs were held in Harrisonburg, Rustburg, Abingdon, Manassas, Henrico, and Suffolk.

5. Information concerning the Commission now may be found on the Internet on the home page of the Virginia Supreme Court. The Commission Rules, Canons of judicial Conduct and complaint forms are now available to the public through the Internet.

6. The Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee responds to inquiries from judges concerning the compliance of proposed future conduct with the Canons of Judicial Conduct. The Commission staff has continued to provide administrative support for this Committee.

7. Finally, this year the Commission conducted an extensive search and interview process to replace Donald Hall Kent who will retire from the position of Commission Counsel at year's end. Donald R. Curry, who had been with the Attorney General's Office since 1982 and had been a Senior Assistant Attorney General for more than fourteen years, was hired in September and began work as Counsel Elect on November 1, 2000. Effective January 1, 2001, Mr. Curry will become Commission Counsel.