Rule 602: Commission on Judicial Conduct

(a)   Creation and Purpose. Under authority granted by Article 3, §§ 1 and 15 of the Kansas Constitution, the Commission on Judicial Conduct (formerly known as the Commission on Judicial Qualifications) is created. The Commission on Judicial Conduct is subject to the Supreme Court’s direction and approval and assists the court in the exercise of its responsibility in judicial disciplinary matters.

(b)   Members and Terms. The Commission consists of 14 members appointed by the Supreme Court, including 6 active or retired judges, 4 nonlawyers, and 4 lawyers. Each appointment is for a term of 4 years. The Supreme Court will appoint a new member to fill a vacancy. A new member appointed to fill a vacancy serves the unexpired term of the previous member. No member may serve more than 3 consecutive 4-year terms, except a member initially appointed to serve an unexpired term may serve 3 consecutive 4-year terms thereafter. A vacancy occurs when the qualifications for the appointment of any member are no longer met.

(c)   Panels. The Commission is divided into two 7-person panels, one designated Panel A and the other Panel B. Each panel consists of 3 judges, 2 nonlawyers, and 2 lawyers. The chair of the Commission will chair one panel, and the vice-chair of the Commission will chair the other panel.

(d)   Meetings. The Commission must meet each June; the Commission will also meet when directed by the Supreme Court, upon call by a panel chair, or in accordance with Commission rules. Panel A or Panel B will meet alternating months. A Hearing Panel meets as needed.

(e)   Officers. The Commission will elect officers at the annual June meeting to serve a 1-year term beginning July 1. The officers include a chair and vice-chair of the Commission and a vice-chair for Panel A and a vice-chair for Panel B.

(f)   Quorum. A quorum for transacting business by the Commission is 9 members. A quorum for transacting business by an Inquiry Panel is 4 members. A quorum for transacting business by a Hearing Panel is 5 members.  

(g)   Temporary Commission or Panel Members. ­If the Commission anticipates difficulty in discharging its responsibilities due to the disqualification or unavailability of its members, the Supreme Court, upon request of the Commission chair or vice‑chair, may appoint temporary Commission members to serve as specified.

(h)   Compensation and Expenses. Commission members will be reimbursed their actual and necessary expenses incurred in discharging their official duties. Members who are not active judges will receive compensation for their services as determined by the Supreme Court.

(i)   Other Fees and Expenses. The Supreme Court will pay from available funds all reasonable costs, fees, and expenses incurred in administering these rules.

[History: New rule adopted effective May 1, 2019.]