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 Elvira S.
Last Name Austin
Title Judge
Inquiry No. 140
Court Level Municipal Court
County/Appellate District Los Angeles
Discipline/Determination Public admonishment
Decision By Commission
Date of Decision 10/01/1997
Method of Resolution Stipulation
Types of Misconduct Off-bench abuse of office/misuse of court information
Petition For Review
Summary In a series of telephone calls to law enforcement agencies, Judge Austin repeatedly invoked her judicial office in attempting to obtain an own-recognizance release for a personal friend.
Documents

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