The Judicial Council of the Fifth Circuit has adopted "Rules Governing Complaints of Judicial Misconduct or Disability." These rules apply to judges of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and to the district, bankruptcy, and magistrate judges of federal courts within the Fifth Circuit.  This permits any person to file a complaint in the courts about the behavior of federal judges-but not about the decisions federal judges make in deciding cases. Below is a link to the rules that explain what may be complained about, who may be complained about, where to file a complaint, and how the complaint will be processed. There is also a link to the form you must use.

Almost all complaints in recent years have been dismissed because they do not follow the law about such complaints. The law says that complaints about judges' decisions and complaints with no evidence to support them must be dismissed. If you are a litigant in a case and believe the judge made a wrong decision-even a very wrong decision-you may not use this procedure to complain about the decision. An attorney can explain the rights you have as a litigant to seek review of a judicial decision.

Judicial Conduct and Disability Act

Rules Governing Complaints of Judicial Misconduct or Disability

Written complaints should be filed with the Circuit Clerk at the following address:

Clerk
U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
600 S. Maestri Place
New Orleans, LA  70130-3408
Phone: 504-310-7700