A proceeding for the removal of a judge may be instituted before the Supreme Court of New Jersey pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2B:2A-1 to 2B:2A-11, by the filing of a complaint with the Clerk of the Supreme Court. A complaint may be filed only by the Governor, or by either House of the Legislature acting by a majority of all its members, or by the Supreme Court on its own motion.
On the filing of a complaint, the Supreme Court shall order the judge to show cause, as provided in the order, why the judge should not be removed from office and require the filing of an answer with the Clerk of the Supreme Court within 30 days after being served with a copy of the order and complaint. Service of the order and complaint shall be made upon the judge in such manner as directed by the Supreme Court. The proceedings shall be prosecuted by the Attorney General of New Jersey, the Attorney General's representative or by an attorney specially designated by the Supreme Court.
(a) At any formal proceeding pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2B:2A-1 to -11, the judge has the right to be represented by an attorney retained at the expense of the judge.
(b) All formal proceedings pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2B:2A-1 to -11 shall be recorded by a qualified shorthand reporter, a video recording device, or a sound recording device. A copy of videotapes or transcripts of the formal proceeding shall be provided to the judge without charge.