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 | Robert C. |
| Last Name | Coates |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | San Diego |
| Discipline/Determination | Public admonishment |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 04/12/2000 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Demeanor/decorum Ex parte communications Misuse of court resources Off-bench abuse of office/misuse of court information |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Coates made extensive use of court personnel and court resources for personal matters and, on multiple occasions, lent the prestige of office to advance the judge's private interests. The judge also engaged in a pattern of conduct toward court staff and persons appearing before him that was impatient, undignified and discourteous. Additionally, the judge engaged in an ex parte communication with a deliberating jury. |
| Documents |