Anaheim wife, husband are claiming stereotypes of Middle Eastern culture were used in ruling against them

August 27, 2005

By John McDonald and Courtney Perkes (View author info)

Orange County Superior CourtJudge James M. Brooks has weathered several complaints over the years from those who have accused him of making biased remarks from the bench. Now an Anaheim couple of Middle Eastern descent claim that they received an unfair trial because he was prejudiced against them. Victoria Henley, director and chief counsel of the judicial commission, said her staff investigates complaints based on court opinions and news articles, but that neither source is systematically monitored. Primarily the commission relies on written complaints. Henley said that statewide last year there were more than 1,000 complaints filed against judges, resulting in disciplinary action against 25 judges. One judge was removed from office, three were publicly disciplined and the others received private letters from the commission. "We do not have the authority to require a judge to take courses or counseling," she said. She added that the commission is seeking a change in law to obtain that authority. Of the handful of judges who are disciplined, she said, about 40 percent are repeat offenders, judges who have been previously disciplined at least once.

Instructions:

Click here to find the remainder of the article