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 | Timothy J. |
| Last Name | Stafford |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | N/A |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Orange |
| Discipline/Determination | Public admonishment |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 12/13/2018 |
| Method of Resolution | Stipulation |
| Types of Misconduct | Bias/Appearance of Bias Toward a Particular Class Demeanor/decorum |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Stafford was issued a public admonishment by the commission for making comments during a restraining order proceeding that were extremely undignified and inappropriate. Judge Stafford made other comments during the proceeding that belittled the parties and that raised the appearance of gender bias. The Court of Appeal reversed Judge Stafford’s denial of the restraining order sought in the proceedings, in part, as a result of Judge Stafford’s judicial misconduct. |
| Documents |