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 | Thomas |
| Last Name | Fletcher |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | 131 |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Madera |
| Discipline/Determination | Removal from office |
| Decision By | Supreme Court |
| Date of Decision | 12/31/1998 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Abuse of contempt/sanctions Administrative malfeasance/improper comments, treatment of colleagues and staff Bias/appearance of bias not directed toward a particular class Disqualification/disclosure/post-disqualification conduct Ex parte communications Failure to cooperate/lack of candor with regulatory authorities Failure to ensure rights Improper political activities On-bench abuse of authority in performance of judicial duties |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Fletcher engaged in ex parte communications with parties and witnesses in several criminal cases. He displayed undignified and improper reactions to parties' disqualification motions and made improper comments about attorneys. The judge improperly told a court clerk she was in contempt and abused his authority in entering judgment against a non-party in a small claims case. While presiding over a criminal case, Judge Fletcher indicated prejudgment and assumed a prosecutorial role. The judge also engaged in improper use of court staff for campaign purposes. During the commission's proceedings, Judge Fletcher altered a minute order in an attempt to deceive the commission. |
| Documents |