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 | Arthur S. |
| Last Name | Block |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | 167 |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Riverside |
| Discipline/Determination | Censure and bar |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 12/09/2002 |
| Method of Resolution | Stipulation |
| Types of Misconduct | Administrative malfeasance/improper comments, treatment of colleagues and staff Demeanor/decorum Disqualification/disclosure/post-disqualification conduct Off-bench abuse of office/misuse of court information On-bench abuse of authority in performance of judicial duties Sexual harassment/inappropriate workplace gender comments |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Block engaged in a pattern of inappropriate sexual conduct toward women in the courthouse and attempted to intimidate potential witnesses during the investigation of the alleged sexual conduct. The judge also had a court interpreter handcuffed and subjected to sham contempt proceedings as a joke. Additionally, the judge improperly attempted to use his office to intercede in a pending matter on behalf of an acquaintance. The judge retired from judicial office during the proceedings. |
| Documents |