Tex. Gov't Code Section 33.001
Definitions


(a)

In this chapter:

(1)

“Censure” means an order of denunciation issued by the commission under Section 1-a(8), Article V, Texas Constitution, or an order issued by a review tribunal under Section 1-a(9), Article V, Texas Constitution.

(2)

“Chairperson” means the member of the commission selected by the members of the commission to serve as its presiding officer.

(3)

“Clerk” means the individual designated by the commission to assist in:

(A)

formal proceedings before the commission or a special master; or

(B)

proceedings before a special court of review.

(4)

“Commission” means the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

(5)

“Examiner” means an individual, including an employee or special counsel of the commission, appointed by the commission to gather and present evidence before a special master, the commission, a special court of review, or a review tribunal.

(6)

“Formal hearing” means the public evidentiary phase of formal proceedings conducted before the commission or a special master.

(7)

“Formal proceedings” means the proceedings ordered by the commission concerning the public sanction, public censure, removal, or retirement of a judge.

(8)

“Judge” means a justice, judge, master, magistrate, or retired or former judge as described by Section 1-a, Article V, Texas Constitution, or other person who performs the functions of the justice, judge, master, magistrate, or retired or former judge.

(9)

“Review tribunal” means a panel of seven justices of the courts of appeal selected by lot by the chief justice of the supreme court to review a recommendation of the commission for the removal or retirement of a judge under Section 1-a(9), Article V, Texas Constitution.

(10)

“Sanction” means an order issued by the commission under Section 1-a(8), Article V, Texas Constitution, providing for a private or public admonition, warning, or reprimand or requiring that a person obtain additional training or education.

(11)

“Special court of review” means a panel of three justices of the courts of appeal selected by lot by the chief justice of the supreme court on petition to review a censure or sanction issued by the commission under Section 1-a(8), Article V, Texas Constitution.

(12)

“Special master” means a master appointed by the supreme court under Section 1-a, Article V, Texas Constitution.

(b)

For purposes of Section 1-a, Article V, Texas Constitution, “wilful or persistent conduct that is clearly inconsistent with the proper performance of a judge’s duties” includes:

(1)

wilful, persistent, and unjustifiable failure to timely execute the business of the court, considering the quantity and complexity of the business;

(2)

wilful violation of a provision of the Texas penal statutes or the Code of Judicial Conduct;

(3)

persistent or wilful violation of the rules promulgated by the supreme court;

(4)

incompetence in the performance of the duties of the office;

(5)

failure to cooperate with the commission; or

(6)

violation of any provision of a voluntary agreement to resign from judicial office in lieu of disciplinary action by the commission.

(c)

The definitions provided by Subsections (b) and (d) are not exclusive.

(d)

For purposes of Subdivision (6), Section 1-a, Article V, Texas Constitution, a misdemeanor involving official misconduct includes a misdemeanor involving an act relating to a judicial office or a misdemeanor involving an act involving moral turpitude.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 462, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 917, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 805 (S.B. 1436), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 513 (S.B. 209), Sec. 1, eff. November 5, 2013.

Source: Section 33.001 — Definitions, https://statutes.­capitol.­texas.­gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.­33.­htm#33.­001 (accessed Jun. 5, 2024).

33.001
Definitions
33.002
Commission
33.003
Sunset Provision
33.004
Compensation and Expenses of Commission Members, Special Masters, and Other Employees
33.005
Annual Report
33.006
Immunity from Liability
33.007
Distribution of Materials to Judges and the Public
33.008
Judicial Misconduct Information
33.021
General Powers of Commission
33.022
Investigations and Formal Proceedings
33.023
Physical or Mental Incapacity of Judge
33.024
Oaths and Subpoenas
33.025
Enforcement of Subpoena
33.026
Witness Immunity
33.027
Discovery
33.028
Process and Orders
33.029
Witnesses’ Expenses
33.030
Assistance to Commission, Special Master, or Special Court of Review
33.031
No Award of Costs
33.0032
Conflict of Interest
33.032
Confidentiality of Papers, Records, and Proceedings
33.033
Notification to Complainant
33.034
Review of Commission Decision
33.035
Reconsideration of Complaint
33.036
Certain Disclosure of Information
33.037
Suspension Pending Appeal
33.038
Automatic Removal
33.039
Review of Commission Operations and Procedural Rules
33.040
Annual Report
33.0041
Removal of Commission Member
33.0042
Requirements for Office or Employment: Information
33.0043
Commission Member Training
33.0044
Division of Responsibility
33.0045
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement
33.051
Solicitation or Acceptance of Referral Fees or Gifts by Judge
33.0055
Public Meeting
33.0211
Complaints
33.0212
Report and Recommendations on Filed Complaints
33.0213
Notification of Law Enforcement Agency Investigation
33.0321
Confidentiality of Complainant’s Identity
33.0322
Confidential Information Provided to Sunset Advisory Commission
33.02105
Candidate for Judicial Office

Accessed:
Jun. 5, 2024

§ 33.001’s source at texas​.gov