On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the California Commission on Judicial Performance issued an order vacating the previously scheduled hearing date concerning retired Justice William J. Murray, Jr. Justice Murray, formerly of the California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, was to face a public hearing regarding formal proceedings initiated by the commission on June 10, 2025.
The hearing, initially slated for Monday, December 1, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., was to be held at the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, located at 720 9th Street, Sacramento. The commission has stated that a further public announcement regarding the matter will be issued soon.
The now-vacated hearing was arranged following a Notice of Formal Proceedings filed by the Commission on Judicial Performance. The proceedings stem from an inquiry into Justice Murray’s conduct.
The hearing was to be overseen by a panel of special masters appointed by the California Supreme Court. This panel includes Honorable Maurice Sanchez of the Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three; Honorable Anthony J. Mohr (Ret.) of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles; and Honorable B. Tam Nomoto Schumann (Ret.) of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange. Their role was to preside over the presentation of evidence, as well as the examination and cross-examination of witnesses by all parties involved.
Representing the Commission on Judicial Performance as Examiners are Commission Trial Counsel Mark A. Lizarraga and Assistant Trial Counsel Melissa G. Murphy. Justice Murray is represented by attorneys Randall A. Miller, Andrew J. Waxler, and Jeanette Chu, all of Los Angeles.
Following the hearing, the special masters were to compile a report detailing their findings regarding the charges against Justice Murray. Both parties would then have the opportunity to respond to the report through written briefs and oral arguments presented before the commission.
The commission would then determine whether the charges have been proven by clear and convincing evidence. If proven, the commission is empowered to impose disciplinary measures as outlined in the California Constitution. Any charges not proven would be dismissed.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
