Section 8. (1) With the agreement of the judge, the commission may by informal adjustment dispose of a complaint at any stage of the proceedings by:
(a) informing or admonishing the judge that his conduct is or may be cause for discipline;
(b) directing professional counseling and assistance for the judge;
(c) imposing conditions on the judge's conduct; or
(d) persuading a judge to retire voluntarily.
(2) The commission may dismiss a sworn complaint, a statement of allegations or a formal statement of charges as unjustified or unfounded at any stage during the proceedings.
(3) The commission may issue a private reprimand with the consent of the judge.
(4) The commission may recommend to the supreme judicial court one or more of the following sanctions:
(a) removal;
(b) retirement;
(c) imposition of discipline as an attorney;
(d) imposition of limitations or conditions on the performance of judicial duties;
(e) public or private reprimand or censure;
(f) imposition of a fine;
(g) assessment of costs and expenses;
(h) imposition of any other sanction which is reasonable and lawful.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part III - Courts, Judicial Officers and Proceedings in Civil Cases
Title I - Courts and Judicial Officers
Chapter 211c - Commission on Judicial Conduct
Section 1 - Establishment; Membership; Expenses; Term; Chairman
Section 2 - Investigations, Hearings and Recommendations
Section 3 - Report; Appropriations; Offices; Rules; Immunity; Executive Director; Proceedings
Section 7 - Hearing; Recommendation for Discipline; Attorneys' Fees
Section 8 - Informal Adjustment; Sanctions
Section 9 - Charges Against Supreme Judicial Court Member