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 | Carol Williams |
| Last Name | Elswick |
| 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 | 12/13/2018 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Demeanor/decorum Disqualification/disclosure/post-disqualification conduct Failure to ensure rights |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | The commission determined that it should issue a public admonishment to Judge Elswick for improperly remanding and delaying sentencing of defendants in three separate misdemeanor probation cases. This delay conveyed the appearance that Judge Elswick was circumventing the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s early release program, and disregarded the defendants’ fundamental rights, resulting in deprivation of liberty. Judge Elswick also improperly responded to a peremptory challenge filed pursuant to section 170.6 of the Code of Civil Procedure, was discourteous to several criminal defendants, and improperly referenced her personal experiences when discussing the ability of some defendants to pay fines. |
| Documents |