Rule 2:15-3. Quorum and Hearing Panels

(a) A quorum shall consist of five members of the Committee. No action of the Committee shall be valid unless concurred in by a majority of its membership, provided, however, that if the Committee finds sufficient cause therefor and recommends to the Supreme Court the institution of formal proceedings, which may lead to reprimand, censure, suspension, or removal of a Judge, such recommendation shall be made only on the affirmative vote of five members of the Committee who have considered the record and at least three of whom were present at any hearing at which oral testimony was produced.

(b) Whenever the Committee considers it necessary or expedient to do so, the Chair of the Committee may establish and designate a three-member panel to conduct any investigation or any hearing contemplated by these Rules. At the conclusion thereof such panel shall make a report or recommendation to the Committee, which shall review the report or recommendation and act thereon as set forth in (a) of this Rule.