If you witnessed or experienced conduct in a civil court that appeared biased, unethical, intimidating, or otherwise improper, you can share what happened with American Justice Watch. Reports can help identify patterns that may not be visible when each court experience is considered by itself.
Judicial misconduct can involve behavior that undermines impartiality, fairness, professional conduct, or public confidence in the courts. Examples may include discriminatory treatment, intimidation, improper outside influence, undisclosed conflicts, retaliation, or repeated behavior that appears inconsistent with judicial ethics. Disagreement with a judge’s ruling, by itself, is usually handled through an appeal or another legal procedure rather than a misconduct complaint.
American Justice Watch uses submitted information for review, documentation, and public-interest research. A submission to this website is not an official complaint, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and does not provide legal advice or representation. It will not change a court order, preserve an appeal, or extend any filing deadline.
Provide specific, factual information wherever possible. Helpful details include the judge’s name, court and state, case or docket number, date of the incident, what was said or done, who witnessed it, and whether the matter has already been reported. You may also identify publicly available orders, transcripts, recordings, or other records that help explain the concern.
Avoid speculation and focus on what you personally observed or can document. Do not upload original documents, privileged communications, sealed court records, Social Security numbers, financial account information, medical records, or information you are legally prohibited from sharing.
Each state has its own judicial conduct commission and complaint rules. The National Center for State Courts provides state court and judicial conduct information that can help you identify the appropriate state system.
Complaints involving covered federal judges must be filed through the appropriate federal court office. Review the U.S. Courts judicial conduct and disability process before filing. Official complaint procedures generally address judicial conduct, not whether a judge reached the correct decision in a case.
We handle reports with care and limit access to people involved in reviewing them, but we cannot promise absolute confidentiality or privileged treatment. If your rights, safety, or a legal deadline may be affected, contact a qualified attorney or the appropriate court immediately.
To understand the broader pressures surrounding judicial accountability, read about the crisis facing fair courts and sign up for fair courts updates.
Use this form to provide a clear, factual summary of the conduct you witnessed or experienced in a civil court matter. American Justice Watch may contact you for clarification or additional documentation.
Submitting a report does not guarantee an investigation, publication, referral, or formal complaint. Please save a copy of everything you submit. Do not rely on this form for an emergency, an appeal, or any time-sensitive legal deadline.
Before sending, confirm that your report does not contain sealed, privileged, or highly sensitive personal information. By submitting the form, you confirm that the information is accurate to the best of your knowledge.