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 | Kenneth E. |
| Last Name | Vassie |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | |
| Court Level | Municipal Court |
| County/Appellate District | Los Angeles |
| Discipline/Determination | Public reproval |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 02/28/1995 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Abuse of contempt/sanctions Failure to ensure rights |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Vassie abused the contempt power and interfered with the attorney-client relationship when he had an attorney remanded into custody after the attorney objected to the judge speaking directly to his client; in so doing, the judge failed to follow proper contempt procedures. The judge also refused to exercise his discretion to consider traffic school as a possible disposition in traffic matters. |
| Documents | [ PUBLIC REPROVAL ] |