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 | Christine K. |
| Last Name | Moruza |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Alameda |
| Discipline/Determination | Public admonishment |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 12/16/2008 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Bias/appearance of bias not directed toward a particular class Demeanor/decorum On-bench abuse of authority in performance of judicial duties |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Moruza made remarks in two cases suggesting that indigent defendants were entitled to receive and did receive legal services and court access inferior to those received by defendants who could afford to pay attorneys, thereby undermining public confidence in the criminal justice system. In other cases, the judge made remarks that suggested bias in domestic violence prosecutions, were inappropriately personal, reflected embroilment, appeared to reflect disdain for the judicial system and were demeaning. In two matters, the judge abused her authority by setting remote trial dates, giving the appearance that she did so because she believed the cases should not be tried. |
| Documents |