Judge Robert Draper removed from L.A. bench after 17 misconduct findings

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Robert Draper, 84, lost his position on the bench on Tuesday following a final ruling by the state judicial watchdog. The California Commission on Judicial Performance determined that Draper committed 17 distinct acts of misconduct that rendered him unfit for office. This decision removes him after 14 years of service on the court.

The commission's 87-page decision cites persistent violations of judicial standards, including offensive remarks regarding race and gender made in open court. It also details personal conduct, such as sending colleagues abusive emails and unnecessary graphic images of his own naked backside. The panel found that Draper deliberately defied orders from his presiding judge by continuing to access court systems and work on cases while on involuntary leave. He had not heard a case since 2023 due to these ongoing issues.

“Judge Draper persistently violated the standards governing judicial behavior and engaged in extensive and severe misconduct,” the commission stated. The panel noted that the situation was aggravated by Draper's refusal to accept responsibility and his lack of insight or remorse for the effects of his actions on others. In a statement released this week, Draper called the decision “deeply disappointing.” He argued that the investigation was used to discredit him after he raised concerns within the judiciary. “Any individual put under such intense and meticulous scrutiny likely would find themselves in a similar situation, albeit with slightly different facts,” he said.

Draper previously admitted to some claims and denied others in interviews earlier this year. His attorney declined to specify the “other avenues” Draper plans to pursue to change the system, according to the statement. Some allegations were dismissed for lack of evidence, including a claim that he inappropriately touched an attorney's hair. The commission had never disciplined Draper prior to this final action.

Laurie Levenson, a professor at Loyola Law School, described the removal as rare. “It’s very rare for a judge to be removed from the bench,” she said. “It’s the ultimate sanction against a judge.” Records show the commission has removed only 15 judges since gaining that authority in 1995. The last removal of an L.A. County Superior Court judge occurred in 2006.

Draper's seat will remain empty until January, when judge-elect Tal Khan Valbuena is scheduled to take office. Governor Gavin Newsom may appoint Khan Valbuena sooner, or the court may assign another judge to the department in the interim. Draper lost his reelection bid earlier this year before the final misconduct ruling was issued.