Judge Robert Draper, appointed by Jerry Brown, is running to keep his seat amid seven ethics charges from the California Commission on Judicial Performance. Denying misconduct, he faces a deputy district attorney in the primary. Voters must decide whether to reelect a judge accused of inappropriate comments and behavior.
Judge Robert Draper , an 84-year-old Los Angeles County Superior Court judge appointed by former Governor Jerry Brown in 2012, is seeking reelection under Office No. 2 while facing seven counts of judicial ethics violations from the California Commission on Judicial Performance.
The commission alleges willful misconduct, failure to perform duties, and actions harming the court's reputation. Draper denies most allegations, claiming his comments were taken out of context or did not violate ethical rules. The case highlights a dilemma for voters in the primary election: whether to retain a judge accused of misconduct by the state's judicial watchdog. The charges stem from incidents in 2022 and 2023.
During a hearing in a civil case where a jury had awarded $10 million, Draper made remarks about race, using terms like 'coal black' and 'light brown' to describe skin tones. He also told a story about male attorneys making crude comments to female secretaries, saying 'you better be able to f*** better than you can type.
' Draper defended these statements, arguing they were irrelevant but not biased, and that his story was meant to criticize past workplace attitudes. The commission also cited him for calling women in the courthouse 'cute' and 'attractive.
' Draper, who has Parkinson's disease and recently lost his son, says health issues and grief may have affected his behavior but denies any ethical breach. A six-day hearing with special masters concluded earlier this month; their report is expected within weeks, but a final disciplinary decision will come after the primary.
Meanwhile, Draper is restricted to chambers work without computer access or staff and has not presided over cases since returning from leave. The commission's proceedings are not criminal but can result in sanctions including removal. Draper's opponent, a deputy district attorney, has made the ethics charges a central campaign issue. Voters face a complex choice: weigh the allegations against Draper's long tenure and his denial of intent.
The outcome could influence public trust in the judiciary, as judges in California must face elections after appointment
Judge Robert Draper Ethics Violations Los Angeles County Superior Court Judicial Election California Commission On Judicial Performance
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