On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the California Commission on Judicial Performance announced that formal proceedings have been initiated regarding Judge Robert S. Draper of the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The announcement, made public on the commission’s website, does not constitute a determination of judicial misconduct, but rather the beginning of an inquiry into specified charges against the judge.

The charges against Judge Draper, detailed in a Notice of Formal Proceedings filed January 14, 2026, allege willful misconduct in office, persistent failure or inability to perform his duties, conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice that brings the judicial office into disrepute, and improper action. These allegations fall under Article VI, Section 18 of the California Constitution, which outlines potential disciplinary actions, including removal, censure, public admonishment, or private admonishment of a judge.

The formal proceedings stem from a series of incidents and complaints detailed in the Notice. One key area of concern involves Judge Draper’s handling of a 2022 jury trial, Odom v. Los Angeles Community College District, which resulted in a $10 million verdict. The Commission alleges that Judge Draper made inappropriate comments regarding race and gender during and after the trial, leading to his disqualification from the case by Orange County Superior Court Judge Cheri Pham. The Court of Appeal later reversed the judgment, citing “significant arbitrary and prejudicial evidentiary rulings” by Judge Draper.

The Commission also alleges that Judge Draper failed to adequately respond to preliminary investigation letters sent by the Commission itself. According to the Notice, Judge Draper repeatedly missed deadlines and provided incomplete or unresponsive submissions. Additionally, the Commission alleges that Judge Draper made inappropriate and discourteous statements to commission staff.

Further allegations include inappropriate interactions with court personnel, such as comments made to then-Presiding Judge Jessner and court administrator Lindsey McFarlane. The Commission also cites an incident where Judge Draper allegedly patted then-Court Counsel Phu Nguyen on the head.

The Notice also details concerns regarding Judge Draper’s handling of confidential information. In one instance, he is accused of disseminating a confidential juvenile dependency court order with sensitive photographs of minors to unauthorized recipients.

The Commission further alleges that Judge Draper engaged in improper ex parte communications, including soliciting testimony from other judges on behalf of a doctor who had treated his spouse and discussing pending dependency cases with a father involved in those cases.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.