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 M. |
| Last Name | Brooks |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Orange |
| Discipline/Determination | Public admonishment |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 04/08/2008 |
| Method of Resolution | Stipulation |
| Types of Misconduct | Bias/appearance of bias not directed toward a particular class Demeanor/decorum |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Brooks engaged in misconduct while presiding over a civil trial, including the use of “overruled” signs and soccer cards for sanction citations, that resulted in reversal of the judgment on the ground that the litigants were denied a fair trial. The judge previously had been disciplined for similar conduct. The judge agreed to retire and not to seek judicial office or sit on assignment. |
| Documents |