Record number of complaints filed against judges in 2023, Commission on Judicial Conduct reports

March 11, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

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The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct announced that it processed a historic number of complaints against judges in 2023, as revealed in its 2024 annual report. Throughout the year, the commission received 2,982 complaints, surpassing previous years’ totals, with a significant portion of these submissions — more than 2,000 — made through its online complaint portal.

The commission, created to uphold high standards of judicial conduct, received 778 preliminary inquiries and full-scale investigations, leading to 17 public dispositions. These included four removals from office, nine permanent resignation stipulations, two censures and two admonitions. Additionally, 65 judges received confidential cautionary letters, emphasizing the commission’s role in enforcing accountability within the judiciary.

Among the notable cases, Judge Jill R. Epstein of the New York City Civil Court in Kings County was admonished for improperly asserting her judicial status during a confrontation over a double-parked car. The commission explained that there is an expectation for judges to act with decorum and avoid any appearance of seeking special treatment due to their position.

In a separate matter, proceedings against Harriet L. Thompson, a judge of the Surrogate’s Court, Kings County, were discontinued following a stipulation agreement. Judge Thompson, facing allegations of inappropriate conduct and bias, as well as delays in court matters, agreed to leave office permanently due to medical reasons and will not seek judicial office in the future.

The commission also supported legislative efforts aimed at enhancing transparency within its disciplinary proceedings and extending the time for completing cases against judges who leave office while under investigation.