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. | 183 |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Orange |
| Discipline/Determination | Censure and bar |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 12/21/2006 |
| Method of Resolution | Stipulation |
| Types of Misconduct | Bias/appearance of bias not directed toward a particular class Demeanor/decorum On-bench abuse of authority in performance of judicial duties |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | In four criminal cases, Judge Shaw treated individuals appearing before her in a rude and demeaning manner, berating, scolding and belittling them. In two cases, the judge improperly suggested the defendant was untruthful, which reflected prejudgment and a lack of impartiality. In three of the cases, the judge's demeanor was criticized by the Court of Appeal; in the fourth, the conviction was reversed, in part, due to the judge's "persistent and indefensible misconduct." In a fifth case, the judge mistreated a prospective juror and abused her authority. The judge had a record of prior discipline for similar conduct: two advisory letters and a public admonishment. At the time of the commission’s decision, the judge had retired. |
| Documents |