Commission on Judicial Conduct
A Management Control Audit of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct
October 1996
Report Number 97-010
Overall Conclusion
Management controls are generally effective at the State Commission on Judicial Conduct (Commission), but improvements are needed in administrative functions involving financial and human resources. The Commission provides oversight of approximately 3,500 judges in Texas. The Commission has the authority to investigate complaints against judges and to issue sanctions to judges when necessary.
Key Facts and Findings
The Commission has adequately managed its program effectiveness, but some improvements are needed. The Commission sanctions judges at a relatively higher rate and at a relatively lower cost to taxpayers than other states with comparable commissions. However, the Commission should consider developing criteria to ensure consistency among decisions. Additionally, the Commission needs to administer both training and sanctions in certain cases.
Human resources policies, procedures, and controls need improvement. The Commission has not documented important policies and procedures, and formal performance evaluations have not been conducted for Commission employees.
Controls over purchasing and cash disbursements need improvement to ensure proper procedures are followed.
The Commission has adequate information systems which are used for management decision-making. Control weaknesses in performance measures have been corrected, but similar controls need to be implemented for all data to correct minor discrepancies in the automated system.
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