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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallIf you believe a judge made the wrong decision, seek review through the procedures in that case, including an appeal when available. If you have evidence of conduct that may meet the statutory standard—or a disability that prevents a federal judge from performing judicial duties—a judicial conduct complaint may apply. A complaint is not an appeal and cannot overturn a ruling.
Which process fits your concern?
| Your concern | Possible route | What that route does not do |
|---|---|---|
| The judge made the wrong decision in my case. | Use the review procedures available in the case, including an appeal where available. | A conduct complaint cannot review the merits or reverse the decision. The U.S. Courts explains that a decision challenge belongs before the court or on appeal, not in a judicial conduct complaint: U.S. Courts FAQ. |
| The judge’s conduct may meet the legal standard, or a disability may prevent the judge from performing judicial duties. | Consider a judicial conduct or disability complaint under the Judicial Conduct and Disability Act and the governing Rules. | The process is not a substitute for a case ruling, appeal, or other relief in the underlying case. |
| I have a concern about a court employee who is not a judge. | Use the relevant court’s employee-reporting channel. | The judge-complaint procedure does not cover non-judge employees. |
| I want a different judge in my pending case. | Check procedures that apply in the case and consider legal advice. | A conduct complaint does not automatically disqualify a judge or appoint a replacement. |
What a judicial conduct complaint covers
The Judicial Conduct and Disability Act of 1980, 28 U.S.C. §§ 351–364, provides a process for allegations of conduct prejudicial to the effective and expeditious administration of court business, or of a mental or physical disability that makes a judge unable to discharge judicial duties. The U.S. Courts overview describes the Act and the national Rules for Judicial-Conduct and Judicial-Disability Proceedings.
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An adverse ruling, without more, is not misconduct or disability. A complaint focused on the correctness of a decision must be dismissed under the national guidance. The Second Circuit likewise distinguishes complaints about judicial behavior from challenges to a decision in its Judicial Conduct guidance.
Who the process covers
The Act applies to covered federal judges. The Eleventh Circuit states that state judges and Supreme Court Justices are not within the Act’s covered-judge category; concerns about court employees who are not judges also belong in a different channel. See the court’s Judicial Conduct & Disability page.
Where to file a complaint
The destination depends on the judge and court. Under the national FAQ guidance, complaints about circuit, district, bankruptcy, or magistrate judges generally go to the clerk’s office of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the regional circuit where the judge serves. There are separate routes for some specialized courts: the FAQ identifies the Federal Circuit for its judges and the respective clerk’s offices for Court of International Trade and Court of Federal Claims judges. Consult the current U.S. Courts filing guidance and the relevant court’s instructions to confirm the destination.
Do not send the complaint to the judge complained about or file it in the ongoing case. Local rules can set requirements for forms, copies, addresses, page limits, and delivery method, so verify them before submitting.
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What to include and how to submit
National FAQ guidance says a complaint should be legible and include a contact address, the relevant events, when and where they happened, and information that may help verify the account, such as transcripts or witness details. The complainant must sign it under penalty of perjury. The Rules’ appendix form or a form supplied by the appropriate court office may be used; the national instructions do not require a particular form.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors- Identify the correct court office. Use the judge’s court and circuit to locate the filing destination, then check that office’s current directions.
- Describe specific events. Give dates, places, and factual details relevant to the alleged conduct or disability, rather than relying only on disagreement with a ruling.
- Provide supporting information. Include available material that could help verify the account, such as transcript references or witness information.
- Follow local submission requirements. Confirm forms, copies, format, address, and delivery method with the receiving court office.
- Sign as directed. The national FAQ specifies a signature under penalty of perjury.
Requirements vary by circuit. For example, the Ninth Circuit’s instructions, last updated October 1, 2026, require paper submission and provide circuit-specific form and naming directions. Those directions are not a nationwide filing rule; see the Ninth Circuit complaint page.
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What filing a complaint cannot do
A complaint does not change the outcome of a case, decide an issue in that case, provide a new judge, award money, or provide legal help. The Ninth Circuit states these limits on its complaint guidance. It is a separate process from trial and appeal, not a way to extend or replace the procedures for challenging a decision.
Review options after a complaint is decided depend on the applicable Rules and the type of disposition. Check the current Rules and the relevant circuit’s instructions for the procedure that applies to a particular decision.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Keep case deadlines separate
If a case is active, identify and verify its review routes and deadlines independently of any conduct complaint. The complaint process does not itself preserve appellate rights. This is general procedural information, not advice about the deadlines or remedies in a specific case; consult the controlling rules or a lawyer when needed.
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