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 | Ruffo |
| Last Name | Espinosa, Jr. |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Los Angeles |
| Discipline/Determination | Public admonishment |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 02/09/2006 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Abuse of contempt/sanctions Bias/appearance of bias not directed toward a particular class Demeanor/decorum Failure to ensure rights |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Espinosa denied a defendant's right to be heard through counsel and abused the contempt power when he held the attorney in contempt and had him taken into custody while the attorney was attempting to present his argument regarding sentencing. |
| Documents |