Rules About Judicial Complaints
There are two sets of rules about these types of complaints, general and local. You’ll need to follow both if you want to file a judicial misconduct complaint.
General Rules
General rules describe the process for these types of complaints in all federal courts.
Local Rules
Local rules provide specific instructions for complaints about judges in the Ninth Circuit.
Ninth Circuit Local Rules for Judicial Misconduct Complaints
Effective April 14, 2025
The Ninth Circuit has adopted new local rules for handling complaints about judicial misconduct. If you're thinking about filing a complaint, please read the following rules carefully.
Naming the judge
When you file a complaint, you must clearly name every judge you're complaining about on the first page.
-
If you don’t list the judge’s name on the first page, your complaint will be returned for you to fix.
-
If you mention a judge on any other page than the first page of your complaint, this will not be enough to bring a complaint against that judge.
Page limit
-
Your statement of facts must be no longer than five pages, single-sided and double-spaced.
-
Use 12-point font if typed.
-
Do not include exhibits or attachments. They will be rejected.
Send only one copy
-
Just send the original complaint and any allowed extra documents.
-
Do not send additional copies.
Keep your address updated
-
If your address changes while your complaint is being reviewed, you must tell the Circuit Executive in writing.
-
Telling another office (like the court clerk) is not enough.
MAIL misconduct complaints to:
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Office of the Circuit Executive
P.O. Box 193939
San Francisco, CA 94119-3939
What happens after you file
If your complaint follows all the rules, it will get a case number and be reviewed.-
If your complaint doesn’t follow the rules, it will be rejected and sent back to you with instructions about how to fix it.
-
Once a decision is made, it will be sent to you in the mail.
Need Help?
Before writing, please check the guidelines and on this website—most questions are answered here.
If you have questions about the judicial misconduct process, you must send them by mail only. The court does not answer questions by phone or email.
Send your letter to:
Attn: Judicial Misconduct
P.O. Box 193939
San Francisco, CA 94119
You’ll get a reply by mail within about 14 days after we receive your letter.
If you’ve already mailed a complaint, please wait 14 to 21 days before checking. You’ll get a letter in the mail with your docket number once your complaint is processed. If you don’t get a confirmation letter within 21 days, it likely means we didn’t receive your complaint. You should mail it again.