Current through the 2024 Legislative Session
Notice of Formal Proceedings(a) After the preliminary investigation has been completed, if the commission concludes by majority vote that formal proceedings should be instituted, the commission shall appoint commission counsel who shall without delay issue a written notice and complaint to the judge advising the judge of the institution of formal proceedings to inquire into the charges against the judge. Such proceedings shall be entitled: "BEFORE THE COMMISSION ON JUDICIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Inquiry Concerning Judge _______"
(b) The notice and complaint shall specify in ordinary and concise language the charges against the judge and the alleged facts upon which such charges are based, and it shall advise the judge of the judge's right to file a written answer to the charges against the judge within thirty days after service of notice and complaint upon the judge.(c) The notice and complaint shall be served by the personal service of a copy thereof upon the judge, but if it appears to the chair of the commission that, after reasonable effort, personal service could not be had, service may be made upon the judge by mailing, by prepaid registered or certified mail, copies of the notice and complaint addressed to the judge at the judge's last known residence.(d) At any stage of formal proceedings, the commission shall be entitled to compel by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses, including the judge himself, and the production of papers, books, accounts, documents and testimony relevant to the proceedings. The circuit court of the county in which the judge resides shall have the power to enforce process.(e) The judge and commission counsel shall be entitled to discovery in accordance with the rules of civil procedure after commencement of formal proceedings, subject to the discretionary control of the commission.SDCL tit. 16, ch. 1A, app TO CHAPTER 16-1A, III, 6