SANTA ANA, Calif. — Judge Julian W. Bailey of the Orange County Superior Court in California has faced public admonition following a series of actions deemed unprofessional and inappropriate, the California Commission on Judicial Performance reported. The commission’s findings highlighted incidents from 2014 to 2023, where Bailey’s behavior ranged from making insensitive remarks to inappropriate gestures, particularly in interactions involving female and less experienced attorneys.
Appointed to the bench in 2012, Bailey’s conduct was scrutinized in a comprehensive review spanning several years. The commission documented multiple instances where his demeanor and comments brought into question the impartiality and decorum expected of a judicial officer. Among the cited behaviors was a 2014 incident where Bailey mimicked breast milk pumping after learning a deputy public defender might need a break to pump breast milk for her baby during a trial, an action that was complemented with both gestures and sounds.
The commission’s report also noted instances where Bailey explicitly banned a deputy public defender from his chambers following what he described as a tactless interruption during a meeting. His remarks following the incident divided individuals based on hair color, showing a troubling informal approach to professional interactions. This incident underscored a pattern where Bailey seemed to struggle with maintaining a respectful and inclusive courtroom atmosphere.
Further illustrating his notably harsh demeanor, the commission detailed an occurrence in March 2023 when Bailey loudly berated another deputy public defender in open court for what he perceived as disrespectful nonverbal communication. His confrontation prompted a courtroom-wide silence, underscoring the intensity of the admonishment directed at the attorney.
Additional infractions included issuing a bench warrant for a defendant who was erroneously told he did not need to appear in court, and inappropriate remarks suggesting racial and sexist stereotypes. One notable comment in early 2014 involved telling a juvenile detainee she could be a movie star, stereotypically casting her as a Native American Indian due to her looks.
In defense, Bailey acknowledged some of his actions, attributing them partially to underlying medical conditions. However, he conceded that these conditions were not justifications for his conduct, accepting full responsibility for his actions.
Paul S. Meyer, representing Bailey, declined to comment regarding the commission’s findings and the public admonition.
This case brings to light ongoing issues within judicial conduct and the need for consistent professionalism and restraint, qualities that are essential to uphold the dignity of the judiciary and foster public trust in the legal system.
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