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 | Kevin A. |
| Last Name | Ross |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | 174 |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Los Angeles |
| Discipline/Determination | Removal from office |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 11/16/2005 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Bias/appearance of bias not directed toward a particular class Comment on a pending case Demeanor/decorum Ex parte communications Failure to ensure rights Improper business, financial or fiduciary activities Miscellaneous off-bench conduct Off-bench abuse of office/misuse of court information On-bench abuse of authority in performance of judicial duties |
| Petition For Review | Denied 4/19/2006 |
| Summary | Judge Ross displayed embroilment and violated the constitutional rights of defendants in four criminal matters, also abusing his authority in one of the cases by adding a misdemeanor charge against the defendant in a traffic matter. The judge also made improper public comments on two pending matters and acted as a private mediator on a television pilot for "Mobile Court." The commission noted the judge’s lack of candor during commission proceedings. The judge had previously received an advisory letter for conduct similar to that in the charges. |
| Documents |