California Commission Removes Judge Robert Draper

The California Commission on Judicial Performance ordered Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Robert Draper removed from office on Tuesday, finding 17 violations of judicial standards after a disciplinary proceeding that examined his conduct toward attorneys and colleagues.

The commission’s decision identified nine instances of willful misconduct and eight of prejudicial misconduct. It also cited one instance of improper action, describing the total as 17 misconduct findings. The panel said Draper persistently violated standards governing judicial behavior and that his conduct was extensive and severe.

Among the matters examined was a February 2023 posttrial hearing in a sexual harassment case. The commission said Draper gave an unsolicited discourse to a Black attorney about Black football players and race relations in the South. It found the comments irrelevant and prejudicial to the administration of justice, though they did not meet the commission’s threshold for willful misconduct.

The decision also addressed remarks Draper made to female attorneys in his chambers about male lawyers at his former law firm and their treatment of female secretaries. Other findings included...