On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, the California Supreme Court announced the reappointment of three members and the appointment of a new member to the Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions (CJEO). This independent committee plays a crucial role in advising both the judiciary and the public on matters related to judicial ethics.
The reappointed members include Presiding Judge Samantha P. Jessner from the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, Judge Michael T. Garcia (retired) from the Superior Court of Sacramento County, and Justice Judith L. Haller (retired) from the Fourth District Court of Appeal. Each of these judges will serve an additional four-year term on the committee.
Judge D. Brett Bianco, also from the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to fill the vacancy left by Judge Michelle Williams Court, who was recently elevated to a federal district judgeship in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Judge Bianco’s appointment will cover the remainder of Judge Court’s term, which runs from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
Judge Bianco comes to the committee with a strong background in judicial ethics, having actively participated in legal communities throughout California prior to his judicial career. He served as a deputy district attorney in Riverside County and worked as court counsel for the Los Angeles Superior Court before his bench appointment in 2017. His judicial responsibilities have included handling cases related to child welfare and juvenile justice.
The CJEO was established by the California Supreme Court to provide guidance on judicial conduct and ethics, as outlined in California Rules of Court, rule 9.80. The committee issues formal advisory opinions, confidential written opinions, and provides oral advice on proper judicial conduct, functioning independently of the Supreme Court and other judicial entities.
Source: California Courts Newsroom
