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 | Bruce Clayton |
| Last Name | Mills |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Contra Costa |
| Discipline/Determination | Public admonishment |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 06/12/2006 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Bias/appearance of bias not directed toward a particular class Demeanor/decorum Ex parte communications |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Mills set aside a guilty plea and ordered diversion based on ex parte communications, and, based on subsequent ex parte communications, the judge later put the matter back on calendar. While presiding over the arraignment in another case, Judge Mills, in rejecting a plea bargain, assumed the role of prosecutor and engaged in conduct that was inconsistent with the proper role of a judge as impartial arbiter. The judge also engaged in a pattern of sarcastic, demeaning and belittling comments to attorneys and litigants. |
| Documents |