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 | Patrick B. |
| Last Name | Murphy |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | 157 |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Los Angeles |
| Discipline/Determination | Censure and bar |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 05/10/2001 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Administrative malfeasance/improper comments, treatment of colleagues and staff Miscellaneous off-bench conduct Non-performance of judicial functions/attendance/sleeping |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Murphy malingered by falsely claiming to be ill and persistently failed to perform his judicial duties by excessive absences from court. He gave non-judicial activities precedence over and allowed them to interfere with his judicial duties by engaging in activities including teaching and completing the prerequisites for admission to medical school while absent from court due to claimed illness. He also failed to cooperate in the administration of court business and exhibited a lack of candor to his presiding judge. |
| Documents |