| |
§ 422. Purposes and powers
A. The purposes and powers of the Judicial Conduct Commission are:
1. To enhance public confidence in the Navajo Nation Judiciary by providing a fair, impartial and expeditious forum to hear complaints and grievances against Navajo Nation Justices and Judges involving alleged violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct, personnel policies for Justices and Judges, and any other Navajo Nation laws or policies that set standards of ethics and conduct for Justices and Judges.
2. To investigate or direct the investigation of complaints or grievances against Justices and Judges;
3. To make findings and recommend sanctions, as appropriate; and
4. To forward recommendations for suspension or removal of Justices and Judges to the Judiciary Committee and to the Chief Justice.
B. The Judicial Conduct Commission shall refer all complaints not properly before the Judicial Conduct Commission to the proper authorities, such as the Chief Prosecutor, the Ethics and Rules Office, or the Disciplinary Committee of the Navajo Nation Bar Association, as necessary.
C. The Judicial Conduct Commission shall develop and recommend its Plan of Operation, rules, policies and procedures, and operating budget, for approval by the Judiciary Committee, the Budget and Finance Committee, and the Navajo Nation Council, as necessary. |
| |
§ 423. Composition and personnel
A. Composition. The Judicial Conduct Commission shall consist of five members serving staggered four year terms.
1. One member shall be a sitting or retired federal or state court Justice or Judge in good standing in their respective jurisdiction selected by the Justices and Judges of the Navajo Nation Courts.
2. One member shall be a retired Navajo Nation Justice or Judge in good standing with the Navajo Nation Bar Association selected by the Justices and Judges of the Navajo Nation Courts.
3. Two members shall be regular or inactive members of the Navajo Nation Bar Association in good standing with no pending disciplinary proceedings against them and who have not been formally reprimanded or suspended within a four consecutive year period prior to their selection, selected by the voting membership of the Navajo Nation Bar Association. The NNBA-selected members shall not be retired or removed Justices or Judges of the Navajo Nation Courts.
4. One member shall be a member of the Navajo Nation public selected by the Judiciary Committee of the Navajo Nation Council from among applicants submitting letters of interest and resumes to the Judiciary Committee. The Judiciary Committee selected member shall not be a current NNBA member, nor a sitting, retired, or removed Justice or Judge of the Navajo Nation or any other jurisdiction.
B. Personnel. The Judicial Conduct Commission shall receive administrative support and assistance from the Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation and shall hire personnel and approve Commission expenditures as provided for in the Judicial Conduct Commission Plan of Operation and the Navajo Nation operating budget. |