Rule 2:15-8. Initial Review by Committee

(a) The Committee shall review any written statement, criticism, or grievance that is directed to the Committee and that contains allegations to the effect that a judge of the Superior Court, Surrogate's Court, Tax Court, or Municipal Court is guilty of:

(1) misconduct in office,

(2) willful failure to perform judicial duties,

(3) incompetence,

(4) intemperate conduct,

(5) engaging in partisan politics, or

(6) conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice that brings the judicial office into disrepute.

(b) The Committee shall also review allegations that any such judge may be suffering from a mental or physical disability that interferes with the performance of judicial duties.

(c) On referral to the Committee by the Supreme Court, the Committee shall conduct such review concerning any Justice of the Supreme Court and proceed thereafter in accordance with these Rules subject to the terms of the referral.

(d) The Committee may review on its own motion any matters as set forth in (a) above in the absence of a written statement, criticism, or grievance.

(e) If the Committee determines that it requires additional information, it shall conduct a preliminary investigation.

(f) If the Committee determines that the allegations under review relate to an action or other matter that is properly the subject of an appeal, or if the Committee determines that there is not sufficient cause to warrant a preliminary investigation, it shall dismiss the matter and notify the person who submitted the statement, criticism, or grievance.

(g) In exceptional circumstances, the Chair or Vice Chair may authorize the commencement of a preliminary investigation.