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 | Harry R. |
| Last Name | Roberts |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | 49 |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Mono |
| Discipline/Determination | Censure |
| Decision By | Supreme Court |
| Date of Decision | 04/25/1983 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Bias/appearance of bias not directed toward a particular class Demeanor/decorum Ex parte communications Non-substance abuse criminal conduct Off-bench abuse of office/misuse of court information On-bench abuse of authority in performance of judicial duties |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Roberts displayed impermissible personal involvement in litigation. He improperly initiated an ex parte communication to an appellate court justice regarding an original writ proceeding arising from a suppression order by the judge in a criminal case. The judge engaged in rude, hostile, and intimidating treatment of litigants, witnesses and counsel. He also was convicted of resisting, delaying, or obstructing public officers (Penal Code section 148) in the course of their investigation of a possible intoxicated driving offense of the judge's son. |
| Documents |