Rule 603: Definitions

In the Rules Relating to the Commission on Judicial Conduct, unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires, the following definitions apply.

(a)   “Commission” means Commission on Judicial Conduct.

(b)   “Judge” has the same meaning as used in Rule 601B. Except as provided in Rules 614 and 619, “judge” means any judicial officer who performs the functions of a judge in Kansas courts, including Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals Judge, District Judge, District Magistrate Judge, Senior Judge, Retired Judge accepting judicial appointments, and Municipal Court Judge. Where applicable, the term “judge” includes Master, Referee, Judicial Hearing Officer, Temporary Judge, Pro Tempore Judge, Part-time Judge, and Commissioner who performs any functions of a judge in any court of this state. The term “judge” also includes a candidate for judicial office; a candidate is a person seeking selection for or retention in judicial office by election or appointment.

(c)   “Examiner” means an attorney retained by the Kansas Judicial Branch to take assignments as needed; to investigate a complaint, gather evidence, and report to an Inquiry Panel; to present evidence, argument, and recommendations to the Hearing Panel; and to present argument and authority to the Supreme Court.

(d)   “Panel” means either Panel A or Panel B serving as either the Inquiry Panel or Hearing Panel.

(e)   “Inquiry Panel” is the panel that considers and investigates a complaint. The Inquiry Panel handles the complaint until conclusion by either dismissal, panel disposition, or referral for formal proceedings.

(f)   “Hearing Panel” is the panel not assigned as the Inquiry Panel that handles a matter after formal proceedings are instituted. The Hearing Panel must have no member who has served on the Inquiry Panel for the same complaint.

(g)   “Complainant” means a person or entity who has made a complaint against a judge.

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