Definitions. In this chapter unless the content or subject matter otherwise requires:

“Chairperson” means the presiding officer of the commission and includes the chairperson of the commission, the vice chairperson, or any acting chairperson designated by the commission to preside in the absence of the chairperson. A “charge” is the written specification by which formal proceedings are instituted pursuant to Iowa Code section 602.2104. “Commission” means the commission on judicial qualifications. A “complaint” shall be any written communication to the commission which indicates a violation of Iowa Code section 602.2106(3). “Employee” means an officer or employee of the judicial branch, except a judicial officer subject to the jurisdiction of the commission. “Judicial officer” means a supreme court justice, a court of appeals judge, a district court judge, a district associate judge, associate juvenile judge, associate probate judge, or magistrate of this state subject to the jurisdiction of the commission. “Oath” is synonymous with “affirmation” and “swear” is synonymous with “affirm.” “Shall” is mandatory and “may” is permissive. [Court Order November 9, 2001, effective February 15, 2002]