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 | Patrick E. |
| Last Name | Connolly |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | N/A |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Los Angeles |
| Discipline/Determination | Public Admonishment |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 04/02/2021 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Demeanor/decorum |
| Petition For Review | N/A |
| Summary | The commission issued a public admonishment as a result of Judge Connolly’s misconduct in two matters. In one matter, Judge Connolly displayed improper demeanor toward two criminal defense attorneys during an arraignment. In a different criminal case, Judge Connolly made an inappropriate remark, after the jury had acquitted a defendant, “you’ve been given a gift from God because there’s no question in my mind that you’re guilty of this crime.” The commission determined that Judge Connolly’s misconduct was significantly aggravated by prior discipline (a public admonishment in 2016 and a private admonishment in 2010) and his failure to fully acknowledge that his conduct was inconsistent with the canons. |
| Documents |