Law: A Clouded Conclusion in California

A probe of the state's supreme court ends with no charges

It began almost a year ago as an attempt to "clear the air" and "restore public confidence." When it ended last week, it was apparent that an unprecedented and excruciating investigation of the California Supreme Court had not succeeded in achieving either goal. The final report by California's commission on judicial performance briefly stated that "no formal charges will be filed against any supreme court justice." It was a less than conclusive judgment and thus left impaired the reputation of a court long considered among the most enlightened in the nation.

The...

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