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 | Walter L. |
| Last Name | Blackwell III |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | 150 |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | San Bernardino |
| Discipline/Determination | Public admonishment |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 02/23/1999 |
| Method of Resolution | Stipulation |
| Types of Misconduct | Pre-bench misconduct |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Prior to becoming a judge, Judge Blackwell improperly retained a $32,000 overpayment he received from a bank, where he previously had served as vice-president and legal counsel, and improperly failed to disclose the overpayment when asked by bank representatives. |
| Documents | [ NOTICE ] [ ANSWER ] [ PUBLIC ADMONISHMENT ] |