Who has the authority to investigate and recommend removal or reprimand of judges in Georgia?

The authority to investigate and recommend the removal or reprimand of judges in Georgia is vested in the Judicial Qualifications Commission. This independent body plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the judiciary by overseeing the conduct of judges.

The Commission conducts investigations into allegations of judicial misconduct or incapacity and can recommend disciplinary actions, including reprimands or removal from office, to ensure that judges adhere to ethical standards and uphold the law. The existence of such a commission is vital for promoting accountability within the judicial system, as it operates independently from other branches of government, such as the General Assembly or the Governor's office, which do not handle judicial conduct directly.

Furthermore, while the State Bar of Georgia is responsible for regulating attorneys and can impose disciplinary measures on lawyers, its jurisdiction does not extend to judges in the same manner that the Judicial Qualifications Commission's does. Therefore, the Commission is uniquely positioned to address issues related to judges' behavior and qualifications.