Wednesday, April 8, 2026
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CJP Hearing on Draper Expected to Last Three Weeks
By a MetNews Staff Writer
The Commission on Judicial Performance’s hearing on disciplinary charges against Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Robert S. Draper is expected to stretch over three weeks, it was learned yesterday.
The commission announced on April 2 that the public hearing would “begin on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., at the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, 300 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, California,” but did not indicate the anticipated length of it. However, the Court of Appeal for this district said yesterday:
“All oral arguments before the Second Appellate District in Los Angeles will be conducted remotely from April 27,2026, through May 15,2026. This temporary change is necessary because courtroom facilities will be used for a Commission on Judicial Performance hearing scheduled during that period. Counsel and self-represented parties will receive instructions for remote participation with their calendar notices.”
The commission alleges improper statements in court, bizarre conduct, and neglect of duties on the part of Draper. However, it said it is possible that the “conduct constitutes evidence of a disability that seriously interferes with the performance” of his “duties and is, or is likely to become, permanent,” signaling the possibility of an involuntary disability retirement.
Draper is a candidate for reelection in the June 2 primary. He is challenged by Deputy District Attorney Tal K. Valbuena.
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