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 | Robert M. |
| Last Name | Letteau |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Los Angeles |
| Discipline/Determination | Public admonishment |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 05/20/2004 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Bias/appearance of bias not directed toward a particular class Decisional delay/false salary affidavits Demeanor/decorum Ex parte communications |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Letteau engaged in a pattern of bias, prejudgment, ex parte communication, and abuse of authority involving parties and attorneys in two separate matters. The judge's fee award in one case and the judgment in the other case were reversed by the Court of Appeal. The judge previously had been disciplined for similar conduct. At the time of the commission's decision, the judge was retired from office. |
| Documents |