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 | Matthew J. |
| Last Name | Gary |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Sacramento |
| Discipline/Determination | Public Admonishment |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 05/14/2020 |
| Method of Resolution | Stipulation |
| Types of Misconduct | Bias/appearance of bias not directed toward a particular class Demeanor/decorum |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | The commission issued a public admonishment of Judge Gary for a variety of misconduct in a family law matter. Judge Gary became embroiled in the matter, as evidenced by various comments, including that he was “picking sides” and that “the parties are going to find themselves with nothing in the end.” Judge Gary made undignified, intemperate, and inappropriate comments about the parents damaging their child. Judge Gary improperly made discourteous and sarcastic remarks, while questioning a witness and after the witness testified. Judge Gary improperly injected religion into court proceedings by referencing the Bible and discussing the promise of everlasting life. Judge Gary also improperly disparaged one of the party’s attorneys and made a variety of other discourteous and undignified comments about the parties, their attorneys, and the case itself. Judge Gary’s misconduct was significantly aggravated by his prior discipline for demeanor problems demonstrated in two other family law matters. |
| Documents | [DECISION] |