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 | Kenneth Lynn |
| Last Name | Kloepfer |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | 70 |
| Court Level | Municipal Court |
| County/Appellate District | San Bernardino |
| Discipline/Determination | Removal from office |
| Decision By | Supreme Court |
| Date of Decision | 11/27/1989 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Abuse of contempt/sanctions Bias/appearance of bias not directed toward a particular class Demeanor/decorum Disqualification/disclosure/post-disqualification conduct Failure to ensure rights On-bench abuse of authority in performance of judicial duties |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Kloepfer displayed a lack of judicial temperament in dealing with litigants, attorneys, witnesses and attaches. He failed to ensure the rights of defendants who appeared before him in criminal cases. Judge Kloepfer abused the contempt power, the power to issue orders to show cause and bench warrants, and the power to make fee orders. He also failed to remain objective in cases before him. |
| Documents |