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 | John M. |
| Last Name | Watson |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Orange |
| Discipline/Determination | Public admonishment |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 11/06/2008 |
| Method of Resolution | Stipulation |
| Types of Misconduct | Demeanor/decorum Disqualification/disclosure/post-disqualification conduct Failure to ensure rights |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Watson failed to be patient, dignified and courteous toward the parties and counsel in an injunction proceeding and became embroiled in the matter. While presiding over unlawful detainer cases, the judge failed to disclose that he had been the defendant in a lawsuit filed by tenants of his apartment units; warranty of habitability was an issue in both cases. The judge was the subject of prior discipline. He had tendered his resignation from judicial office for health reasons and agreed not to seek judicial office or sit on assignment. |
| Documents |