Other than motions, the complaint and answer are the only pleadings allowed.
(A) Complaint. (1) Filing; Service. A complaint may not be issued before the completion of a preliminary investigation. Upon concluding that there is sufficient evidence to warrant the issuance of a complaint, the commission shall direct the executive director or equivalent staff member to do the following:(a) enter the complaint in the commission docket, which is a public record;(b) retain the complaint in the commission office; and(c) promptly serve a copy of the complaint on the respondent.(2) Form of Complaint. A complaint must be entitled: "Complaint Against _____, Judge. No. _____."
A complaint must be in form similar to a complaint filed in a civil action in the circuit court.
(B) Answer. (1) Filing. Within 14 days after service of the complaint, the respondent must file with the commission the original and 9 copies of an answer verified by the respondent.(2) Form. The answer must be in form similar to an answer in a civil action in the circuit court and must contain a full and fair disclosure of all facts and circumstances pertaining to the allegations regarding the respondent. Willful concealment, misrepresentation, or failure to file an answer and disclosure are additional grounds for disciplinary action under the complaint.(3) Affirmative defenses, including the defense of laches, must be asserted in the answer or they will not be considered.Adopted effective 9/1/2019.