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 | William M. |
| Last Name | Ormsby |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | 133 |
| Court Level | Municipal Court |
| County/Appellate District | Los Angeles |
| Discipline/Determination | Censure |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 03/20/1996 |
| Method of Resolution | Stipulation |
| Types of Misconduct | Abuse of contempt/sanctions Demeanor/decorum Disqualification/disclosure/post-disqualification conduct Failure to ensure rights On-bench abuse of authority in performance of judicial duties |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Ormsby had individuals taken into custody for whispering and sleeping in court without following proper contempt procedures. He barred an attorney from his courtroom. He proceeded in the absence of a defendant's attorney in a criminal matter and interfered with parties' right to counsel in cases; denied defendants a public defender unless they went to trial; pressured defendants to waive preliminary hearings and to enter guilty pleas and prosecutors to offer dispositions; refused to take waivers with a guilty plea; denied defendants their right to present evidence and to be heard on certain matters; frequently and arbitrarily dismissed misdemeanor cases on the day set for trial if the prosecution was unable to proceed that day; incarcerated a late defendant without giving him an opportunity to explain his tardiness; and conditioned the release of defendants from custody for lateness upon their entry of guilty pleas. The judge also made insulting, demeaning, disparaging and embarrassing comments to parties and engaged in other poor demeanor. |
| Documents |