The Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission is a state constitutional agency created when the people of Arkansas adopted Arkansas Constitutional Amendment 66 on November 8, 1988. Since its inception, the Supreme Court has the power to suspend, remove or involuntarily retire or censure judges based on the Commission’s recommendation. A judge may be publicly disciplined by the Commission.

The Commission investigates and may take disciplinary action or, in the most serious cases, recommend to the Arkansas Supreme Court that it impose discipline upon a judge whose actions are found to be a violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct.

In order of increasing severity, the Commission may make an informal adjustment (such as direct professional counseling or assistance for the judge), issue a public admonishment, reprimand, or censure the judge. The Commission will make a recommendation to the Arkansas Supreme Court if it finds stronger action is needed. The Court may impose suspension, removal or involuntarily retirement.