Inquiry Concerning Brown
Opinion
Lead Opinion
Hanlonchairperson, J.
*CJP Supp. 101 Opinion
This disciplinary matter concerns Judge Nancy Brown, a judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
PROCEDURAL HISTORY
Judge Brown was appointed a judge of the Los Angeles County Municipal Court in November 1976, and was elevated to the Los Angeles County Superior Court in December 1984. The events which are the subject of this matter took place between November 1991 and April 1998.
*CJP Supp. 102 Formal proceedings in this matter commenced with the filing on May 28, 1998, of a notice of formal proceedings. The notice of formal proceedings sets forth four counts. On June 15, 1998, Judge Brown filed a verified answer denying that her conduct violated the California Code of Judicial Ethics, or its predecessor, the California Code of Judicial Conduct.
As provided for by rule 121(b) of the Rules of the Commission on Judicial Performance, the Supreme Court appointed three special masters to conduct an evidentiary hearing and to prepare a written report. The evidentiary hearing was held in Los Angeles on February 22 and 23, 1999, before Justice Gilbert Nares, presiding, of the Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Judge James H. Chang of the Santa…