NASHVILLE, Tenn -- Psst. Want to turn in a rotten judge? It can be real fun, especially if the judge is pompous and lectures a lot. 

You can easily make trouble for an incompetent or unethical judge, although there is no guarantee anyone will do anything about it. Because, of course, the judiciary is in charge of disciplining its own, and wherever any group polices itself, there is a conflict of interest. Judges are no different, even though they have a high-falutin name like "Court of the Judiciary." Names are easy to come by. Harder is integrity in government. Yet if you don't complain, there is absolutely no hope. You monitor the judges; we'll monitor the process. 

The Tennessee Court of the Judiciary was created by the legislature to: 

• "[p]rovide an orderly and efficient method for making inquiry into the physical, mental and/or moral fitness of any Tennessee judge; his or her manner of performance of duty; or his or her commission of any act calculated to reflect unfavorably upon the judiciary of the state or bring it into disrepute or which may adversely affect the administration if justice in the state[,]" and 
• "[p]rovide a process by which appropriate sanctions may be imposed[,]" and 
• "[i]mplement constitutional provisions by providing a procedure for the removal of judges." 

Here is the process you can undergo to tell the truth about judges who fail to live up to a standard of performance acceptable to you. If you are not satisfied with your experience with the Court of the Judiciary, e-mail The Pit at putnampit@linkonline.net and we'll investigate the problem. 

TO GET FORMS: 

If it seems to you that a judge has violated The Code of Judicial Conduct, you may acquire a form by calling or writing The Administrative Office of The Courts, 511 Union Ave., Suite 1400, Nashville City Center, Nashville, TN 37243-0607. The telephone number is (615) 741-2687. 

The complaint must be typed or legibly hand printed, according to the court's brochure. 

TO FILE A COMPLAINT: 

You may file your written complaint with The Presiding Judge, Court of the Judiciary, 511 Union St., Suite 1600, Nashville City Center, Nashville, Tenn. 37243-0607.