Establishes the Office of Inspector General for the Judicial Branch to conduct investigations, audits, and oversight within the judicial branch, excluding the Supreme Court.
The Inspector General is appointed by the Chief Justice of the United States after consultation with congressional leaders, serving a 4-year term with the possibility of reappointment.
The Chief Justice of the United States has the authority to remove the Inspector General, with the requirement to communicate the reasons for removal to Congress.
The duties of the Office include investigating alleged misconduct in the judicial branch (excluding the Supreme Court), preventing and detecting waste, fraud, and abuse, and recommending changes in laws or regulations governing the judicial branch.
The Inspector General has the power to conduct investigations and reports, obtain information from federal, state, or local agencies, issue subpoenas, administer oaths, and hire staff.
Investigations related to judicial misconduct under chapter 16 cannot commence until certain procedural prerequisites are met, such as the denial of a petition for review by the judicial council of the circuit.
The Inspector General is restricted from investigating matters directly related to the merits of judicial decisions or procedural rulings and cannot discipline judges or justices.
Annual and prompt reports on the Office’s activities and matters requiring action must be made to the Chief Justice and Congress. Sensitive matters may be reported in closed session.
Establishes whistleblower protections for judicial branch employees who assist in investigations of possible violations of federal law or misconduct, with provisions for civil action in cases of retaliation.