Supreme Court Makes Appointments to Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions

SAN FRANCISCO—The California Supreme Court today announced the reappointment of two current members and the appointment of a new member to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions (CJEO), an independent committee that helps inform the judiciary and the public on judicial ethics topics.

Judge Kenneth K. So of the Superior Court of San Diego County and Judge George J. Abdallah, Jr. of the Superior Court of San Joaquin County were both reappointed to serve additional four-year terms as CJEO members. Commissioner Belinda Handy of the Superior Court of Riverside County was appointed to serve a four-year term. The reappointments and appointment are effective January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2021.

As the newest member of the committee, Commissioner Handy will fill a vacancy required to be held by a subordinate judicial officer. (Rule 9.80(c).) She brings to the committee a strong interest in judicial ethics. Prior to joining the bench, Commissioner Handy was an active member of legal communities across the state, having practiced as a public defender in Riverside and Placer counties, and having practiced civil and criminal law in Los Angeles and Fresno counties. As a commissioner on the Riverside Superior Court, her judicial assignments have included family law and domestic violence matters.

Information on CJEO members can be found at http://www.judicialethicsopinions.ca.gov/members/.

The Supreme Court established the Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions (CJEO) to help inform the judiciary and the public concerning judicial ethics topics. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 9.80.) CJEO publishes formal advisory opinions, issues confidential written opinions, and provides oral advice on proper judicial conduct pursuant to the California Code of Judicial Ethics and other authorities. In providing its advisory opinions, the committee acts independently of the Supreme Court, the Commission on Judicial Performance, the Judicial Council, and all other entities. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 9.80(b).)