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 | Emily T. |
| Last Name | Spear |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | N/A |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Los Angeles |
| Discipline/Determination | Public Admonishment |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 09/06/2023 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Administrative malfeasance/improper comments, treatment of colleagues and staff Non-performance of judicial functions/attendance/sleeping |
| Petition For Review | N/A |
| Summary | The commission issued a public admonishment to Judge Spear for a variety of misconduct. In 2021 and 2022, while she was assigned to the Family Law Division at the Compton Courthouse, Judge Spear engaged in a pattern of behavior that conveyed a persistent disregard and disrespect for her judicial and administrative obligations, for her judicial colleagues, and for her supervising judges and court administration. Judge Spear’s misconduct included numerous unauthorized and undocumented absences and early departures from court; disparaging remarks about a judicial colleague; discourteous conduct toward, and false statements to, her supervising judge; and manipulation of her calendar for personal benefit. Judge Spear received a public admonishment for the number of incidents of misconduct, Judge Spear’s lack of insight into the seriousness of her misconduct, and the fact that some of Judge Spear’s misconduct reflected a lack of integrity. |
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