New rule requires California courts to disclose names of judges in settled cases alleging misconduct
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The California Judicial Council has approved a rule that requires courts to disclose financial settlements involving judges accused of sexual harassment, discrimination and other misconduct.
The rule adopted last Thursday requires disclosure, when requested, if public funds were used to pay the settlement, according to a press release, the Recorder and the San Diego Union-Tribune.
The names of judicial officers can’t be redacted from the disclosed agreements, however, the names of complainants and witnesses may be withheld.
California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye had called for a rule change after the media revealed that the judiciary had paid $600,000 since 2011 to investigate and settle harassment claims against three judges and two court officials. The publications were not able to obtain the names of the judges who were accused.
The rule change does not apply to the state commission that investigates and disciplines judges.
