On Friday, May 29, 2026, LAist reported that Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Robert Draper, who has served for approximately 15 years, is facing a challenge in his bid for re-election due to accusations of violating judicial ethics rules.

The California Commission on Judicial Performance (CJP), the state body responsible for overseeing judicial conduct, has investigated complaints against Draper and formally charged him with misconduct in office. The commission’s members, who are the ultimate decision-makers in disciplinary matters, will not issue a determination on any potential sanctions until after the upcoming primary election.

Draper, 84, was initially appointed to the bench in 2012 by former Governor Jerry Brown. Superior Court judges in California are required to run for reelection after their initial appointment. Draper is seeking his third full term and appears on the ballot for all Los Angeles County voters under Office No. 2, facing opposition from deputy district attorney Tal Valbuena.

The CJP has brought seven counts of violating judicial ethics against Draper. These proceedings are not criminal or civil in nature, but the commission employs similar terminology. The CJP itself is composed of 11 members, including judges, lawyers, and other individuals appointed by the governor, the state Legislature, and the California Supreme Court.

Currently, Draper is assigned to “chambers work only.” Both Draper and his attorney informed LAist that his court-issued email account is restricted, and he does not have a computer or staff in his chambers. He has not presided over any cases since returning in June 2023 from an involuntary leave, which, according to commission records, was related to the alleged ethics violations.

Among the specific allegations detailed by the CJP are:

  • Draper is accused of sending nude photographs from a confidential child abuse case to colleagues via a court email address.
  • He is also alleged to have made inappropriate comments about race, including using the term “coal black,” and referred to women in the courthouse as “attractive” and “cute.”

These charges stem from alleged misconduct in office, failure to perform duties, and actions that could harm the reputation of the judicial office. Draper has denied some of the claims and offered explanations for others in an interview with LAist.

Initially, the commission suggested his behavior might be linked to an unnamed disability that interferes with his duties, a claim that could lead to a judge’s removal from the bench if proven. However, LAist confirmed this specific claim has since been withdrawn.

Draper has stated he is managing personal health issues, including Parkinson’s disease, a detached retina, and a rotator cuff injury, and is also grieving the recent death of his son. The seven counts against him relate to alleged violations occurring in 2022 and 2023.

Regarding comments on race, records indicate Draper admitted to making statements deemed “irrelevant” and “inappropriate” by other judges in a 2023 sexual harassment case he presided over. During a hearing where the defense sought a new trial after a jury awarded $10 million, Draper reportedly discussed his personal views on interracial mixing and Black history, stating his intention was to encourage a settlement.

Transcripts suggest he used terms like “coal black” and “light brown” to describe skin tones, which he defended as similar to describing clothing colors. The commission, however, characterized these comments as reflecting “bias, prejudice, or harassment.” Draper’s written response to the charges asserted the dialogue was taken out of context, and he indicated he would avoid using the word “black” in the future.

Concerning workplace conduct, Draper is accused of making comments to an all-women legal team about male attorneys’ past attitudes towards female secretaries. He stated this was meant to highlight how such behavior is no longer acceptable. His comments, along with other issues, contributed to the California Court of Appeal overturning a verdict and ordering a new trial in that case.

He is also alleged to have inappropriately touched a lawyer’s hair during proceedings, which he denies. Further allegations involve multiple comments about women in the courthouse in 2022 and 2023, which Draper disputes, but the commission deems violations of judicial ethics. He stated his intention was to make people feel good about themselves, not to make advances.

Draper is also charged with failing to adhere to courthouse leadership directives. While on involuntary leave in March 2023, he reportedly continued administrative work on cases, despite directives to stay away from courthouse resources. He claims his supervisors were aware of his continued work. The commission also cited problematic emails, including sending nude photos from a confidential child abuse case to unauthorized recipients. Additionally, he emailed photos of himself “from behind without clothes” to colleagues, which he testified was to show proof of an injury.

A panel of independent “special masters” recently conducted a six-day hearing on these charges, and their report is expected soon. The commission members will then review the findings and decide on any disciplinary action, which could range from clearing him to censure or removal from office.

 

 

Source: LAist