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 within 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 into misconduct by the judicial council of a circuit can only commence after a petition for review is denied or referred to the Judicial Conference of the United States.
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 reports on the Office’s activities and other significant matters requiring action must be made to the Chief Justice and Congress. Sensitive matters may be reported in closed session.
The Inspector General must report any reasonable grounds to believe there has been a violation of Federal criminal law to the Attorney General.
Provides whistleblower protection for judicial branch employees who assist in investigations of possible violations or misconduct, with provisions for civil action in cases of retaliation.