The American legal system is based on the principle that an independent, fair, and competent judiciary (judges) will interpret and apply the laws that govern us. The role of the judiciary is central to American concepts of justice and the rule of law.

Each state, and the federal court system, has a code of judicial conduct that requires judges to respect and honor the judicial office and strive to enhance and maintain confidence in our legal system by maintaining integrity and independence, and avoiding even the appearance of impropriety. The judge determines or finds facts and laws for the resolution of disputes, and is a highly visible symbol of government under the rule of law. A code of judicial conduct is not intended as an exhaustive guide for the conduct of judges—they should also be governed in their judicial and personal conduct by general ethical standards. But such a code is intended to state basic standards that should govern the conduct of all judges, and to provide guidance to judges in establishing and maintaining high standards of judicial and personal conduct.

Each state and the federal court system has people and processes who handle complaints against judges and determine what if any disciplinary action is appropriate.

In Oklahoma, the judiciary is guided by the Oklahoma Code of Judicial Conduct, which sets forth the ethical standards and principles for judges to uphold the integrity, impartiality, and independence of the judiciary. The code mandates that judges avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety, perform the duties of their office impartially, competently, and diligently, and refrain from political activity inappropriate to their judicial office. The Oklahoma Council on Judicial Complaints is the body responsible for investigating allegations of judicial misconduct. If the Council finds evidence of misconduct, it can recommend disciplinary action to the Court on the Judiciary, which has the authority to impose sanctions ranging from a reprimand to removal from office. This system ensures that judges adhere to high ethical standards and that there is a mechanism to address judicial misconduct, thereby maintaining public confidence in the legal system.