By stark contrast, in states like Colorado, judicial discipline is dispensed by a judicial performance commission, the proceedings of which are often shrouded in strict secrecy.

On occasion, the Montana Supreme Court also must determine whether to impose judicial discipline as recommended by the Judicial Standards Commission.

The Higher Judicial Council of Cameroon advises him on the nomination of judges and magistrates and has responsibility for judicial discipline.

And it resolves matters of conflict in regional and local churches, and administers judicial discipline as a court of final appeal.

For another, a model exists in the growing number of states that have set up special commissions to handle judicial discipline and removal.

He has also been involved in court reforms, from judicial discipline to the centralization of court procedures.

Anand's commitment to judicial discipline is also highlighted in his judgment in the V.C. Mishra case.

While Mr. Pataki can point to that constitutional provision for removal, it was written long before an independent panel was established for judicial discipline.

Matters of judicial discipline are confidential, and a spokesman for the Office of Court Administration declined to comment on the matter yesterday.

The conduct of judges, and judicial discipline, became a leading political issue last year after a Brooklyn criminal court judge reduced the bail of a suspect who later murdered his girlfriend.