RD8 - 2001 Activities of the Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission


Executive Summary:
In accordance with Section 17.1.-905 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. The Rules of the Commission have been revised regarding the required preservation of the Commission's confidential records. The revision more accurately reflects the mandates of Section 17.1-913 of the Code of Virginia. The change became effective December 1, 2001.

3. 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. Different pamphlets specifically aimed at lawyers also have been distributed widely to members of the bar.

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 November. These programs were held in Abingdon, Harrisonburg, Henrico, Manassas, Rustburg, 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's Rules, the 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 whether proposed future conduct complies with the Canons of Judicial Conduct. The Commission staff has continued to provide administrative support for this Committee. Information concerning the Ethics Committee and an index of the Committee's formal opinions also are available on the Internet.

7. Donald R. Curry became Commission Counsel on January 1, 2001. He replaced Donald H. Kent who had been Commission Counsel since 1997.