Massachusetts General Laws

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 211C, § 8 (2026)

Informal adjustment; sanctions

✓ current as of July 2026

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Section 8. (1) With the agreement of the judge, the commission may by informal adjustment dispose of a complaint at any stage of the proceedings by:

(a) informing or admonishing the judge that his conduct is or may be cause for discipline;

(b) directing professional counseling and assistance for the judge;

(d) persuading a judge to retire voluntarily.

(2) The commission may dismiss a sworn complaint, a statement of allegations or a formal statement of charges as unjustified or unfounded at any stage during the proceedings.

(3) The commission may issue a private reprimand with the consent of the judge.

(4) The commission may recommend to the supreme judicial court one or more of the following sanctions:

(a) removal;

(b) retirement;

(d) imposition of limitations or conditions on the performance of judicial duties;

(e) public or private reprimand or censure;

(f) imposition of a fine;

(g) assessment of costs and expenses;

(h) imposition of any other sanction which is reasonable and lawful.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 4 cases, 1989–1998 · leading case: In the Matter of King, 568 N.E.2d 588 (Mass. 1991).

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In the Matter of King, 568 N.E.2d 588 (Mass. 1991). “See G. L. c. 211C, § 8 (4) (/) and (g), inserted by St.”

In re Markey, 696 N.E.2d 523 (Mass. 1998). “The Commission has been authorized by the Legislature, pursuant to G. L. c. 211C, § 8 (4), to recommend to this court various sanctions, including “removal,” the “imposition of limitations or conditions on the performance of judicial duties,” the “imposition of a fine,” and the…”

Chief Admin. Just. of the Trial Court v. Labor Relations Comm'n, 533 N.E.2d 1313 (Mass. 1989). “A further complaint to the Commission on Judicial Conduct might be appropriate, but the relief which that commission may recommend (see G. L. c. 211C, § 8, inserted by St. 1987, c.”

Chief Admin. Just. of Trial Court v. Labor Rel. Comm., 533 N.E.2d 1313 (Mass. 1989). “A further complaint to the Commission on Judicial Conduct might be appropriate, but the relief which that commission may recommend (see G.L.c. 211C, § 8, inserted by St. 1987, c.”

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