Pull to refresh
Logo
What Changed
Following Why Sign Up
California judicial panel removes Los Angeles judge Robert Draper

California judicial panel removes Los Angeles judge Robert Draper

Rule Changes Los Angeles, CA local

Commission cites 17 misconduct findings, including racist and sexual remarks and defiance of a presiding judge.

Yesterday: Draper calls removal decision 'deeply disappointing'

Overview

Updated 2 hours ago

The California Commission on Judicial Performance ordered Judge Robert Draper removed from the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The 87-page decision found 17 instances of misconduct, including racist and sexual remarks and defiance of a presiding judge's orders.

Draper, 84, had already lost reelection in June and had not heard cases since 2023. The order ends his judicial authority before his term expires and leaves his seat to be filled in January.

Why it matters

A state watchdog can end a judge's career before voters do, and California uses that power rarely.

Last Monday's email for Los Angeles, CA

Sent Nov 9. It carried:

Get next Monday's: one short email a week. Free. Unsubscribe in one click.

Questions about this story

Free account needed to ask — your question is kept and asked for you right after sign-up. Answers are public.

No questions yet — be the first to ask.

Key Indicators

17
Misconduct findings
The commission found 17 instances of behavior that made Draper unfit for office.
15
Judges removed since 1995
The commission has removed 15 judges since gaining that authority in 1995.
14
Years on the bench
Draper served 14 years on the Los Angeles County Superior Court before removal.
87
Pages in removal decision
The commission issued an 87-page decision detailing Draper's misconduct.

Voices

Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.

Sign up to generate historical perspectives on this story.

Log in Sign Up

People Involved

Robert Draper
Robert Draper
Former judge, Los Angeles County Superior Court
Removed from office

Organizations Involved

CC
California Commission on Judicial Performance
State judicial watchdog
Ordered Draper's removal

California's judicial discipline agency, which investigates misconduct and can remove judges.
Los Angeles County Superior Court
Los Angeles County Superior Court
California trial court
Draper removed; seat to be filled

The court where Draper served until his removal, and where Judge-elect Tal Khan Valbuena is expected to take his seat.

Timeline

2012 November 2026

7 events Latest: Yesterday
Tap a bar to jump to that date

  1. Draper calls removal decision 'deeply disappointing'

    Latest Statement

    Draper says the scrutiny would catch anyone and calls the decision deeply disappointing.

  2. Commission orders Draper removed

    Ruling

    The Commission on Judicial Performance orders Draper removed for 17 misconduct instances.

  3. Draper loses reelection

    Election

    Draper loses his reelection bid after the county bar rates him not qualified.

  4. Formal misconduct charges filed

    Legal

    The Commission on Judicial Performance files formal charges; Draper denies wrongdoing.

  5. Draper presides after recusing himself

    Misconduct

    Draper recuses himself, then presides over a disqualification hearing and threatens bar referrals.

  6. Remarks at sexual harassment hearing draw scrutiny

    Misconduct

    At a posttrial hearing, Draper makes remarks about Black football players and race.

  7. Draper appointed to Los Angeles County Superior Court

    Appointment

    Gov. Jerry Brown appoints Robert Draper to the Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Scenarios

1

California Supreme Court upholds Draper removal

Likely Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: Draper said he plans to pursue 'other avenues'; judicial ethics lawyers expect possible appellate review.

Draper's attorney declined to specify his next step. If Draper petitions the California Supreme Court, the justices could affirm the commission, remand for a new hearing, or stay the order. A denial would leave removal in place.

2

Tal Khan Valbuena takes the bench in January

Likely Resolves by Jan 31, 2027

Discussed by: LAist reported that Valbuena is on deck to replace Draper in January.

Draper lost reelection, and Judge-elect Tal Khan Valbuena is scheduled to replace him in January. The court could move another judge into the department, but the election result makes Valbuena the likely successor.

3

Newsom appoints Valbuena before January

Possible Resolves by Jan 1, 2027

Discussed by: LAist noted Gov. Gavin Newsom may decide to appoint Valbuena sooner.

The governor can fill a judicial vacancy by appointment. If Newsom acts before the new term begins, Valbuena could take the seat weeks earlier. The governor's office has not said whether it will.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

1995-2026

California judicial removal authority (1995-2026)

California gave the Commission on Judicial Performance power to remove judges in 1995. Since then the commission has removed 15 judges. The last removal of a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge was in 2006.

Then

Removal remains the commission's rarest sanction.

Now

The commission's records show removal is used sparingly.

Why this matters now

Draper's removal is the first for an L.A. County Superior Court judge in two decades.

2010

Federal Judge Thomas Porteous (2010)

The U.S. House impeached Louisiana federal judge Thomas Porteous in 2010. The Senate convicted him on corruption and perjury charges, removing him from office.

Then

Porteous lost his lifetime appointment.

Now

Federal judges face impeachment, while California judges face commission removal.

Why this matters now

Both cases show removing a judge requires a separate institutional process and is uncommon.

Sources

(4)
LAist Courthouse News Service ABA Journal Law360 Pulse