Ethics
Judge’s ‘extreme and bizarre’ comments lead to ethics investigation, reversal of $10M jury verdict
A Los Angeles judge’s “extreme and bizarre” comments have resulted in a judicial ethics group to investigate misconduct allegations and an appeals court to reverse a $10 million sexual harassment verdict. (Photo from Shutterstock)
A Los Angeles judge’s “extreme and bizarre” comments have resulted in a judicial ethics group to investigate misconduct allegations and an appeals court to reverse a $10 million sexual harassment verdict.
On Jan. 14, California’s Commission on Judicial Performance filed formal proceedings against Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Robert S. Draper, alleging willful misconduct in office, persistent failure or inability to perform his duties, and other charges.
The commission is also looking into the jury trial of a 2022 sexual harassment case against the Los Angeles Community College District, according to coverage in Law360.
According to the commission, Draper’s comments pertaining to the case “reflected bias, prejudice or harassment on the basis of race.”
The California Second District Court of Appeal reversed the $10 million verdict for the plaintiff and ordered a new trial.
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