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
New Search| First Name | James G. |
| Last Name | Bertoli |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Sonoma |
| Discipline/Determination | Public Admonishment |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 10/30/2024 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Improper business, financial or fiduciary activities Improper political activities Miscellaneous off-bench conduct |
| Petition For Review | N/A |
| Summary | Judge Bertoli engaged in improper political activity, improper social media conduct that demeaned the judicial office, and improper fundraising. In opposing the renaming of the high school he had attended, Judge Bertoli led protest rallies, made speeches, participated in fundraising, consulted with an attorney on behalf of his high school alumni association, and urged people to oppose the renaming of the high school on social media. The judge’s conduct involved public involvement on a controversial social and political issue. The judge’s conduct was not protected by the First Amendment. In connection with his opposition to the change of the name of the high school, Judge Bertoli used Facebook accounts to make derogatory remarks about public officials, engage in rhetoric that inflamed the passions of the community, make profane remarks, and speak derisively about those who did not agree with him. Judge Bertoli’s misconduct was aggravated by prior discipline. Judge Bertoli’s misconduct was further aggravated by the number of incidents of misconduct that publicly undermined respect for the judiciary and by Judge Bertoli’s failure to appreciate his misconduct. |
| Documents | [ DECISION ] |