Readers React: Judges didn’t get justice for sex violations

To the editor: I’m not sure what is more disheartening: the conduct of the censured judges cited in your article, or the fact that the Commission on Judicial Performance found censure, not removal, appropriate. (“Two judges censured after admitting having sex with women in chambers,” Sept. 2)

Forget (if you can) the sex incidents. What about one judge repeatedly misleading questioners when being investigated, and the other calling the Orange County district attorney’s office on behalf of his lover and not disqualifying himself in a case regarding a longtime friend?

The commission concluded that one judge “disrespected” the court’s dignity. The commission disrespected the public by allowing these charlatans to continue on the bench. It’s noted that they both showed “great remorse and contrition.” I’ll wager your average bank robber who gets caught has similar feelings.

If these acts don’t warrant removal, what does?

Mark Diniakos, Thousand Oaks

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To the editor: I enjoyed your reporting on the two censured judges. Please enlighten me: How does a citizen apply for a position on this Commission on Judicial Performance?

Your reporting inspired me to become one of the six members of the public who sit on the commission so I can perhaps do a better job than the current members did in these cases.

Laura Derek, San Pedro