California Supreme Court Appoints New Members to Commission on Judicial Performance

The California Supreme Court has appointed two new members to the Commission on Judicial Performance, an independent state agency responsible for investigating complaints of judicial misconduct or incapacity and for disciplining judges.

Effective March 1, the court appointed to the commission Judge Kimberly Merrifield, of the Superior Court of Butte County, and Justice Julia C. Kelety, of the Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division One (San Diego).

They replace outgoing members Justice William S. Dato and Judge Michael B. Harper who are completing their second terms.

The Commission on Judicial Performance is mandated by the California Constitution to protect the public, enforce rigorous standards of judicial conduct, and maintain public confidence in the integrity and independence of the judicial system. Its jurisdiction includes all judges of California’s superior courts and the justices of the Courts of Appeal and Supreme Court. The commission also has jurisdiction over former judges for conduct prior to retirement or resignation.

The Commission has 11 members: one justice of a court of appeal and two judges of superior courts appointed by the Supreme Court; two attorneys appointed by the Governor; and six lay citizens, two appointed by the Governor, two appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules and two appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.