Public Decisions Database


This database contains decisions on all public judicial disciplinary cases since the inception of the commission in 1960. Cases not involving public charges or public discipline remain confidential under the California Constitution and the commission’s rules.

Pursuant to amendments to the Constitution, which took effect in March 1995, the commission is authorized to impose all disciplinary sanctions, subject to discretionary review by the Supreme Court. Prior to that, the Supreme Court had the authority to censure or remove judges from office upon recommendation by the commission.

Case Profile

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First Name James I.
Last Name Aaron
Title Judge
Inquiry No. 164
Court Level Superior Court
County/Appellate District Fresno
Discipline/Determination Censure
Decision By Commission
Date of Decision 07/08/2002
Method of Resolution Stipulation
Types of Misconduct Improper business, financial or fiduciary activities
Miscellaneous off-bench conduct
Off-bench abuse of office/misuse of court information
On-bench abuse of authority in performance of judicial duties
Petition For Review
Summary

Judge Aaron promoted and participated in a dubious investment scheme by encouraging investors and vouching for the integrity of its principals; the judge was also to receive a portion of the commission. When the scheme was being investigated by federal authorities, the judge dissuaded investors from complaining to the authorities. The judge also repeatedly avoided his own financial obligations by writing worthless checks, making false promises and misrepresentations, and engaging in delaying tactics. In addition, he failed to remain neutral in drug-related criminal matters and interjected himself by conducting a "smell test" of defendants' hair and clothing and placing defendants in temporary custody on the basis of the results. Public censure was conditioned upon the judge’s irrevocable retirement from judicial office.

Documents

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