Section 1. Definitions

(a) Definitions

When used in these rules, unless the context otherwise requires:

Board means the Judicial Conduct Board.

Board Complaint is the document setting forth the formal charges and filed by the Board to initiate proceedings in the Court of Judicial Discipline.

Board Counsel means any lawyer hired by the Board as staff counsel, including Chief Counsel, or any lawyer appointed as special counsel, to perform those duties as directed by the Board.

Chief Counsel is the lawyer in charge of the screening and investigation of complaints, the prosecution of formal charges, and the performance of other duties as directed by the Board.

Chair means the Chair of the Board or a member authorized to act on the Chair’s behalf.

Complaint means a document setting forth information alleging conduct within the jurisdiction of the Judicial Conduct Board pursuant to PA. CONST. Art. V, § 18.

Court means the Court of Judicial Discipline.

Dismissal is a Board determination which terminates a case against a Judicial Officer.

Judicial Officer includes magisterial district judges, judges of the Philadelphia Municipal and Traffic Courts, judges of the Pittsburgh Magistrates Court, judges of the Common Pleas, Commonwealth, and Superior Courts, and Justices of the Supreme Court.

Probable Cause to File Formal Charges means probable cause to believe that conduct by a Judicial Officer has occurred for which a Judicial Officer should be suspended, removed from office, or otherwise disciplined pursuant to PA. CONST. Art. V, § 18(d)(1).

Rules of Professional Conduct means rules of professional responsibility for attorneys.

Staff includes employees of the Board and persons retained or appointed by the Board, or individual Board members’ employees when engaged in the business of the Board.

Verification is a written statement of fact by the signer, supported by oath or affirmation or made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.

The provisions of this Rule 1 amended March 20, 1995, effective March 20, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 1404. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (188721) to (188722).