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You should be treated fairly and with respect when you go to court. If you had a court hearing and the Town or Village Justice did not treat you with fairness and courtesy, you have a right to complain. You file your complaint with the New York State Commission on Judicial conduct. You may use the form at this link. More information is available at:  http://www.scjc.state.ny.us

The Commission is not a court of appeals. You should not complain to the Commission just because the justice’s ruling went against you.  For example, do not complain to the Commission if a justice decided that you broke the rules of your lease, and you think that you didn't break the rules.

When should I file a complaint with the Commission?

You may want to file a complaint with the commission if the justice:

· Does not let you speak

· Does not let you ask questions

· Does not let you raise valid claims

The justice should also not say things that make you believe that he or she is biased against you because of your:

· Race

· Gender

· Religion

· Income

Here are some other examples of unfair treatment in eviction cases:

· The court did not allow you to speak about or submit evidence about a counterclaim for a reduction of rent due to bad conditions.

· The court did not allow you to speak about or submit evidence about the basic procedural requirements for an eviction, such as correct service of the court papers, a correct rent demand, or a termination notice.

· The court justice told you that you could not raise a defense without an attorney or could not answer the papers orally in court.

· The court justice gave the opposing party legal advice about your case prior to your hearing, such as filling out the landlord's eviction papers.

Remember: Justices should be treated with respect and courtesy as well.  Do not speak while the judge is speaking, do not raise your voice, and do always address the justice as "Your Honor."

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(c) Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. ®

This article provides general information about this subject. Laws affecting this subject may have changed since this article was written. For specific legal advice about a problem you are having, get the advice of a lawyer.  Receiving this information does not make you a client of our office.

rev. 03/12/07 J. Hogue