(Subscription required) Searching through a CMS is often necessary for judges, but the California Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions weighed in on whether such a search could put a judge at risk of violating the California Code of Judicial Ethics. The panel said there are instances in which a CMS search might generate some facts about a case that could make a judge appear biased.

In June, the Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to protect against evictions through Dec. 31 for nonpayment of rent due to the pandemic for tenants who have paid a quarter of their rent. Less than a week later, the state passed a law extending its own moratorium until Sept. 30, cutting short the local timeline.

The California Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions (CJEO) adopted a final opinion after twice considering public comments about whether judges may search their court’s electronic case management system (CMS) for information regarding a party, attorney, or facts relevant to the matter before the judge.

Family guardianship is especially common among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Although it is meant as a last resort, many parents of children with disabilities seek guardianship as soon as they turn 18, often because schools present it as the only way to ensure their care.