Judicial watchdog would investigate misconduct and protect court whistleblowers

The Chief Justice would appoint an inspector general to investigate alleged misconduct, audit the judicial branch, and look for waste, fraud, and abuse. Supreme Court misconduct would be covered. Lower-court misconduct cases could start only after a review petition is denied or a matter is referred or certified to the Judicial Conference. The office could not revisit court rulings or discipline judges or justices. The Chief Justice could remove the inspector general but would have to give Congress the reasons. The inspector general would serve four-year terms and could be reappointed.

The inspector general could demand testimony and records by subpoena, gather information, hire staff, and obtain expert help. These powers would apply when the office carries out its judicial branch oversight duties. A subpoena could be enforced through a civil case if someone refused to obey it. Contracts for outside audits, studies, and other services would depend on money Congress sets aside in advance. The office would report yearly and quickly flag matters needing action. It would promptly tell the Attorney General when it had reasonable grounds to believe a federal crime occurred.

People and companies working for the judicial branch could not retaliate against an employee for lawfully sharing information or helping an investigation. The protection would cover information about possible federal legal or rule violations, or misconduct by a judge, justice, or other judicial branch employee. The information or help would have to be lawful and potentially useful to the inspector general's work. An employee harmed by retaliation could seek appropriate relief through a civil lawsuit.