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 | Derek W. |
| Last Name | Hunt |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | N/A |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Orange |
| Discipline/Determination | Public Admonishment |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 07/05/2022 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Bias/appearance of bias not directed toward a particular class Demeanor/decorum Failure to ensure rights |
| Petition For Review | N/A |
| Summary | Judge Hunt received a public admonishment for misconduct in four separate cases. In three of the cases, Judge Hunt denied the parties a full right to be heard before making orders in their cases. In the cases at issue, Judge Hunt also made remarks reflecting poor demeanor and engaged in conduct that gave an appearance of bias. In three of the four cases, the court of appeal reversed (or issued a writ regarding) Judge Hunt’s rulings. Judge Hunt’s misconduct was aggravated by prior discipline (an advisory letter) for commenting on a pending case for discussing, with a reporter, a case in which he had presided which was still pending before the Court of Appeal. |
| Documents |