Inquiry Concerning Ball
Opinion
Lead Opinion
Counseldirection, J.
*CJP Supp. 2 Opinion
This is a disciplinary matter concerning Judge John T. Ball, Judge of the Santa Clara County Superior Court. After formal factfinding and review by the Commission on Judicial Performance (Commission), the Commission has concluded that the matter should be dismissed.
PROCEDURAL HISTORY
Formal proceedings were commenced with the service of the Commission’s notice of formal proceedings dated February 6, 1996 (and amended on Apr. 29, 1996). Special masters were appointed by the Supreme Court on May 7, 1996.
Judge Ball was represented by David R. Sylva and Christopher A. Seaman of Campbell, California. The examiners for the Commission were Dennis F. Coupe and Jack Coyle of the Commission’s Office of Trial Counsel.
The California Judges Association participated before the Commission pursuant to Commission on Judicial Performance rule 131 as amicus curiae, and was represented by Ronald E. Mallen of San Francisco, California.
*CJP Supp. 3 The masters heard two days of testimony, and after affording the parties an opportunity for briefing and argument, submitted their report to the Commission on November 25, 1996. The report concluded that Judge Ball had…