LA County judge, 84, removed after alleged misconduct, inappropriate comments

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge was removed from office Tuesday by the California Commission on Judicial Performance after it determined he made "inappropriate racial comments" and "inappropriate comments" to women.

Judge Robert S. Draper, 84, was ousted by the state oversight panel after an evidentiary hearing and independent review revealed what investigators considered a persistent pattern of behavior that violated judicial canons and brought disrepute to the bench.

According to the commission's decision, Draper was removed for "nine acts of willful misconduct and eight acts of prejudicial misconduct." The panel said Draper's behavior "reflected either a concerning lack of familiarity with ethical precepts, or an unwillingness to conform” to those precepts.

"Judge Draper’s misconduct was aggravated by his refusal to accept responsibility for his misconduct, and his lack of insight or remorse for his misconduct and its effect on others," the commission wrote in its public determination.

The Center Square could not reach Draper for comment.

However, news reports say Draper has denied allegations of misconduct and claims the charges were politically motivated.

In the commission's 87-page decision, the panel said Draper made “inappropriate racial comments during a civil trial" and had “conduct that could reasonably be perceived as gender bias.” Investigators also said the judge “made inappropriate comments to a female colleague and female court personnel” and “made demeaning comments during a hearing.”

At the time of his removal, Draper was assigned to the Santa Monica Courthouse.

Lisa B. Lench, chairperson of the Commission on Judicial Performance, signed off on the 87-page decision.

Draper lost his reelection bid earlier this year after being rated "not qualified" by the Los Angeles County Bar Association in April 2026. His removal comes before his term ends on Jan. 4.

Draper's campaign website, meanwhile, said that "colleagues and attorneys who have appeared before him describe a judge who is straightforward, focused, and unwilling to tolerate unnecessary delay or gamesmanship.” Draper’s campaign added he is “recognized for his ability to manage cases effectively and move proceedings forward in a clear and structured way.”