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 | Susanne S. |
| Last Name | Shaw |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | 156 |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Orange |
| Discipline/Determination | Public admonishment |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 06/26/2000 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Bias/appearance of bias not directed toward a particular class Demeanor/decorum Ex parte communications |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Shaw made a statement to a defendant at arraignment suggesting he would be sexually assaulted while in jail. The judge also made improperly personalized remarks, that were demeaning and undignified, to a deputy district attorney who refused to reduce charges. Additionally, the judge engaged in ex parte communications with two deputy district attorneys about the future course of a case that gave the appearance of embroilment. |
| Documents | [ NOTICE ] [ ANSWER ] [ PUBLIC ADMONISHMENT ] |