In re Inquiry Concerning Harris

*CJP Supp. 65 Opinion

This disciplinary matter concerns John D. Harris, a former judge of the Superior Court of California for the County of Los Angeles. Judge Harris began his judicial career as a judge of the Los Angeles County Municipal Court in October 1984, and began serving as a judge in the superior court in January 1999. Judge Harris retired from the bench in 2004.

Based on the admissions made by Judge Harris, the record in this case and the findings and conclusions of the special masters, we conclude that Judge Harris’s conduct established in connection with count one A, count one B, count two D, count two F and count four constituted prejudicial misconduct, and that his conduct established in connection with count two B, count two E, count two G, count two H and count three constituted improper action.

For reasons more fully set forth hereafter, we conclude that a public admonishment is appropriate.

Procedural History

Formal proceedings in this matter commenced on February 18, 2004, with the filing of a notice of formal proceedings setting forth five counts. On March 4, 2004, Judge Harris filed his verified answer.

Pursuant to rule 121(b) of the Rules of the…