The Commission on Judicial Performance Special Masters' Report found Judge Peter McBrien of Sacramento violated the Judicial Code of Ethics on four counts in regards to a family law matter.
A copy of the full report, 147 pages can be emailed by request to this reporter at Bohemian_books@yahoo.com or by contacting the CJP.
A summary of the charges included:
Judge McBrien terminated a trial in the middle of a parties case-in-chief, without giving the party a chance to complete the presentation of evidence or offer rebuttal evidence, and denied that party his constitutional right to due process and a fair trial.
Judge McBrien threatened an attorney with contempt if the client asserted his Fifth Ammendment rights and declined to produce evidence that was not relevant to the pending matter.
Judge McBrien became embroiled in the case, offering a partial transcript to a party's employer. The party lost his employment due to the acts which were presented. The judge did not tell the parties of his action, nor recuse himself.
Judge McBrien was discourteous and addressed an attorney in a derogatory manner.
Due to the length of the findings, this story will be presented as a series.
Laura Lynn supports her writing habit and research by selling used and rare books. Thanks for Thinking. Bohemian, ink.