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 | Ariadne J. |
| Last Name | Symons |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | N/A |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Santa Cruz |
| Discipline/Determination | Censure |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 05/20/2019 |
| Method of Resolution | Stipulation |
| Types of Misconduct | Bias/appearance of bias not directed toward a particular class Demeanor/decorum Ex parte communications Miscellaneous off-bench conduct Misuse of court resources Off-bench abuse of office/misuse of court information |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Symons committed a red light violation that was recorded on camera. Judge Symons assisted her husband with a court filing that did not identify Judge Symons as the person who committed the red light violation. Judge Symons took no steps to notify the police that she was the one who committed the red light violation. Judge Symons also failed to notify the Santa Cruz County Superior Court that her husband had a matter pending before the court that involved her. In addition, Judge Symons misused the prestige of her office by obtaining information and assistance from court personnel in non-public areas of the courthouse. During jury deliberations in a felony trial, Judge Symons had an improper ex parte communication in writing with the jury. Judge Symons also had an improper ex parte communication by telephone with the deputy district attorney who tried the case. Judge Symons also failed to disclose these communications to the defendant or his counsel at any time before the jury rendered a verdict. In a third matter, Judge Symons addressed a party before her in a manner that was undignified and discourteous. In a fourth matter, Judge Symons made several remarks to a litigant that reflected poor demeanor and bias toward the litigant. Judge Symon’s misconduct was aggravated by her history of discipline on two prior occasions. |
| Documents | [ DECISION ] |