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 John T.
Last Name Ball
Title Judge
Inquiry No. 136
Court Level Superior Court
County/Appellate District Santa Clara
Discipline/Determination Dismissal/reversal
Decision By Commission
Date of Decision 02/11/1997
Method of Resolution Decision
Types of Misconduct
Petition For Review
Summary The commission found a lack of clear and convincing evidence that Judge Ball was acting for an improper purpose when he convened and conducted a "resentencing" hearing. The commission found that in calling the hearing, the judge's purpose was to allow either side to reopen the case and to correct any judicial errors. If the hearing was not authorized under Penal Code section 1170(d), the commission found the judge's action was at most legal error and the commission determined to dismiss the case.
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