Investigating the Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure (CJDT) and its failure to hold DC judges accountable.
The Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure (CJDT) was created to ensure that DC judges maintain high standards of conduct. But for decades, critics have argued that it functions more as a shield for the judiciary than a sword for the public.
Under DC law, if the CJDT rates a judge as "well qualified" for reappointment, their term is automatically extended for another 15 years. This bypasses any review by the President or the Senate, effectively giving the Commission unchecked power to perpetuate judicial tenures.
Unlike many other jurisdictions, the CJDT operates largely in secret. While they publish annual reports, the details of complaints are rarely made public unless a formal disciplinary action is taken—which is exceedingly rare.
The "well qualified" designation is the golden ticket for DC judges. Once obtained, a judge is safe. Critics argue that the bar for this designation is set too low, and that the Commission is hesitant to disrupt the status quo. This results in a bench that is rarely refreshed and where mediocrity can survive for decades.