PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 533.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jul 9, 2002
Judicial Improvements Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal judicial code to establish a new chapter regarding complaints against judges and judicial discipline. Authorizes any person alleging that a judge has engaged in specified prejudicial conduct, or is unable to discharge all the duties of office by reason of mental or physical disability, to file with the clerk of the court of appeals for the circuit a written complaint.Directs the chief judge to expeditiously review complaints. Authorizes: (1) the chief judge to conduct a limited inquiry; and (2) a complainant or judge aggrieved by a final order of the chief judge to petition the judicial council of the circuit for review. Makes denial of a petition for review final.Requires the chief judge, if not entering such an order, to form a special committee to investigate the allegations. Authorizes specified action by the judicial council. Provides for referral to the Judicial Conference of the United States. Directs the Judicial Conference, if it finds impeachment warranted, to certify and transmit the determination and record of proceedings to the House of Representatives.Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) a judicial council's subpoena power; (2) judges' petitions for review of adverse orders and actions; (3) rules for the conduct of proceedings under this Act; (4) restrictions on individuals who are the subject of an investigation; (5) confidentiality of such proceedings; and (6) the effect of a felony conviction on a judge's continued service and creditable service.
People & committees
Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT] · D–VT
Legislative record
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Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 533.
Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Leahy without amendment. Without written report.
Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Leahy without amendment. Without written report.
Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S6504-6506)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6503-6504)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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