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 | Lisa A. |
| Last Name | Novak |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | San Mateo |
| Discipline/Determination | Public admonishment |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 05/30/2018 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Demeanor/decorum Ex Parte Communications Off-bench abuse of office/misuse of court resources |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Novak demonstrated bias toward an attorney by making disparaging comments in open court that were likely to interfere with the attorney-client relationship. Judge Novak also received an ex parte communication from her bailiff and failed to disclose the communication to counsel. At a judges' meeting, Judge Novak commented that a sheriff's deputy, who was a witness in a pending case, had committed "perjury." |
| Documents |