Law Library: Identifying Attorney Misconduct and Making a State Bar Complaint - Understanding Moral Turpitude

CONSUMER PROTECTION NEWS YOU CAN USE: Sacramento family court litigants report that many divorce and family law lawyers routinely commit misconduct. To make a State Bar complaint against a lawyer, you need to know the law and terminology to use. A critical attorney misconduct law to understand is Business and Professions Code § 6106. This 21-page primer about moral turpitude may help: 

 

Read our Special Report: Sacramento County Family Court Operates as RICO Racketeering Enterprise, Charge Whistleblowers.

Sacramento Superior Court Controversy: Divorce Corp Documentary Cataloging Sacramento Family Court Corruption Now Available on Google Play

The Divorce Corp production team has just announced the availability of the documentary film on Google Play. 

The 2014 documentary film Divorce Corp, which includes the troubling stories of several Sacramento County Family Court corruption victims, is now available on Google Play, the official app store for the Android operating system. A digital distribution platform operated by Google, Google Play offers music, magazines, books, movies and television programs. Divorce Corp can be purchased for $7.99 or rented for $2.99.   

The movie catalogs judge and attorney misconduct and corruption in family courts throughout the United States, and designates Sacramento County as one of the most corrupt in the nation. 

A clip from the movie featuring an interview with Sacramento Family Court corruption victim and whistleblower Ulf Carlsson, is posted at the Sacramento Family Court New YouTube Channel. Divorce Corp is also available on Netflix, at the iTunes store, and on DVD and Blu-ray at the Divorce Corp Store.   

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Sacramento Superior Court Controversy: Divorce Corp Documentary Featuring Sacramento County Court Corruption Now Streaming on Netflix

Documentary Film Cataloguing Sacramento Family Court Corruption Now Available to 65 Million Netflix Members 

The 2014 documentary film Divorce Corp is now available on Netflix, an on-demand Internet streaming media service with 65 million subscribers. The movie chronicles family court corruption throughout the United States and designates Sacramento County as one of the most corrupt. 

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Sacramento Family Court News Surpasses 100,000 Pageviews with Readers from 94 Countries - Top 10 Lists Published

Worldwide Interest In Sacramento Family Court Corruption and Controversy Generates 100,000 Pageviews at SFCN

The frequency of worldwide visits to Sacramento Family Court News are reflected in this map from Google Analytics.

Sacramento Family Court News has reached another readership milestone: 100,000 pageviews from visitors in 94 countries. The pageviews resulted from a total of 29,107 visits from readers in the United States, with additional visits from readers in 93 other countries, according to statistical data provided by Google Analytics. The Top 10 countries by number of visits are:

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Sacramento Superior Court Corruption: Judge Robert Hight and Judge James Mize Allow Attorney Misconduct to Continue Unabated

Attorney Fee Churning Tactics Revealed in the Documentary Film Divorce Corp: Includes Interviews with Two Sacramento Family Court Litigants

Click here to visit the Divorce Corp website. To visit the Divorce Corp YouTube Channel, click here.  

Click to visit Sacramento Family Court News on: Facebook, YouTube, Google+, Scribd, Vimeo, and Twitter. For additional reporting on the people and issues in this post, click the corresponding labels below:

Judge James Mize Apologist Blames Rampant Family Court Corruption on Judicial Council Forms

McGeorge Law School Professor John E.B. Myers Risibly Attributes Lack of Family Court Justice To Too Many Forms

Special Guest Editorial: Opinion by Cathy Cohen

McGeorge School of Law Professor John E.B. Myers attributes
family court corruption to Judicial Council forms.

In a laughably inaccurate editorial published by the Sacramento Bee, McGeorge School of Law family law professor John E.B. Myers redefined the meaning of the out-of-touch, ivory tower academic. Among other clueless assertions, Myers made the epic LOL, demonstrably false claim that:

“Sacramento’s family court, under the wise leadership of Judge James Mize, serves the community well.”

Family court watchdogs have collected and catalogued overwhelming evidence that Judge Mize provides anything but “wise leadership,” and that the court – which operates essentially as an organized, criminal enterprise – serves only a select, exclusive group of judge pro tem lawyers. The community at large, and especially those financially disadvantaged family court users without an attorney, are subjected to second-class status under an illegal two-track system of justice. 

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Judge Peter McBrien Collusion with Judge Pro Tem Divorce Lawyer Charlotte Keeley Featured in Divorce Corp Documentary

In his own words, Sacramento Family Court victim Ulf Carlsson relates the details of his case, his personal financial ruin, and the loss of his job and career due to retaliation by Judge Peter McBrien. Carlsson also describes collusion - confirmed by other family law attorneys he consulted - between McBrien and the opposing attorney in his case, judge pro tem divorce lawyer Charlotte Keeley.

From the documentary Divorce Corp: www.divorcecorp.com

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Sacramento Superior Court Corruption: Divorce Corp Documentary Alleges Judge Peter McBrien - Attorney Charlotte Keeley Collusion

Dr. Drew Discusses Divorce Corp and Divorce Industry Problems with Ashleigh Banfield on CNN's Legal View

In this CNN, Legal View with Ashleigh Banfield broadcast, Dr. Drew Pinsky discusses Divorce Corp, a documentary that "exposes the corrupt and collusive industry of family law in the United States." The movie features analysis of family court cases and interviews with local family court litigants Ulf Carlsson, Andrew Karres, Robert Saunders and Mike Newdow, and portrays Sacramento Family Court as the most corrupt family law court in the country. The Carlsson case gets the most screen time in the film, and the analysis includes alleged collusion between controversial Sacramento Superior Court Judge Peter McBrien and judge pro tem divorce lawyer Charlotte Keeley. Keeley is a long-time member of the Sacramento County Bar Association Family Law Section and has been involved in several controversial cases involving child custody and financial disputes.  
  

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Sacramento Superior Court Judge & Attorney Misconduct: New York Times Reviews Divorce Corp Documentary Featuring Four Sacramento Court Cases

New York Times Calls Family Court "A Land of Diabolical Lawyers" in Divorce Corp Review

In a review of Divorce Corp, the New York Times observed that "Protracted divorces sap couples' resources even in amicable separations and, as in other areas of legal practice, the lawyers seem to have an incentive to draw out the conflict." Four family court cases from Sacramento County are featured in the movie.

Divorce Corp, a documentary film featuring four Sacramento Family Court cases opens nationwide in select cities today. The movie "exposes the corrupt and collusive industry of family law in the United States," and is expected to follow the release trajectory typical for a documentary: A short theatrical run in major cities followed by DVD release, Redbox, Netflix, and screenings on network and cable TV. The production's nationwide search for the most egregious examples of family court corruption and collusion resulted in Sacramento court cases dominating the film. Local litigants Ulf Carlsson, Andrew Karres, Robert Saunders, Mike Newdow - and the nearby Nevada County Elena Haskins case - are featured in the film, with a special emphasis on the notorious Carlsson case. Sixth District Court of Appeal Presiding Justice Conrad L. Rushing described Sacramento Judge Peter McBrien's conduct in the Carlsson divorce as a "judicial reign of terror." 

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Sacramento Court Corruption: Judge Peter McBrien, Judge Pro Tem Divorce Lawyer Charlotte Keeley Case Featured in Divorce Corp. Documentary

Click play > to watch the Divorce Corp trailer. Best viewed at full-screen setting.

The documentary Divorce Corp will be released Jan. 10, 2014

Entertainment Tonight has just released the world premiere trailer of the documentary film Divorce Corp. A scathing indictment of the divorce industry in the United States, the documentary reportedly will include the notorious Carlsson case from Sacramento Family Court. The compelling trailer foreshadows many of the same issues reported here at Sacramento Family Court News, which last May was the first media organization worldwide to report on the pending production. 

From the plot summary at IMDb: 

"A documentary that exposes the appalling fiscal waste, shameless collusive practices and rampant corruption within the U.S. family law industry. More money and more people flow through the family courts than any other court system in America combined - now grossing over $50 billion a year. But because of good intentions run amok, misplaced financial incentives, cronyism, and a lack of checks and balances, family courts have become self-corrupting, extra-constitutional fiefdoms that serve the local legal community instead of the general public. Rather than help victims of crimes, these courts often create them. And rather than help parents and children move on, as they are mandated to do, these courts - and their associates - drag out their cases for years, sometimes decades, ultimately resulting in a rash of social ills including bankruptcy, violence, the bastardization of feminism and the criminalization of civil laws. Solutions to the crisis are sought out in Scandinavian countries where marriage dissolution is handled without attorneys, courts, or the turbulence and family disintegration so common in the United States."

In the updated credits, James Scurlock has both a producer and writer credit. Scurlock is the writer/director of the critically acclaimed documentary Maxed Out: Hard Times, Easy Credit and the Era of Predatory Lenders. Divorce Corp is set for release in theaters on January 10, 2014. For further information and updates, visit the Divorce Corp Twitter page at @divorcecorp. Sacramento Family Court News will have continuing coverage of Divorce Corp. Click here for a list of SFCN articles about the film. 

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Sacramento Superior Court Corruption: Judge Peter McBrien, Judge Pro Tem Divorce Attorney Charlotte Keeley Case Included in Documentary Set for 2014 Theatrical Release

Judge Peter McBrien, Judge Pro Tem Charlotte Keeley and Ulf Carlsson Case Featured in Divorce Corp Documentary: Trailer Released

The conduct of Judge Peter McBrien and judge pro tem divorce lawyer Charlotte Keeley will be described by Sacramento Family Court litigant Ulf Carlsson (above) in the documentary Divorce Corp., set to be released in theaters on January 10, 2014. The account of the Sacramento Family Court system reportedly is unflattering. 

Entertainment Tonight has just posted online the world premiere trailer of the documentary film Divorce Corp. The trailer includes a brief clip of Sacramento Family Court watchdog and litigant Ulf Carlsson, whose long-running family court case will be featured in the film. In a worldwide exclusive, Sacramento Family Court News broke the story of Divorce Corp on May 1 of this year. For updates, visit the Twitter page of the film at @divorcecorp. From ET online:

Dr. Drew Pinsky narrates a new documentary focusing on the increasingly profitable divorce industry and ETonline is proud to present the world premiere trailer Divorce Corp.
The issue-based doc hits home with everyone who's ever gone through a divorce or watched their parents, friends of family members go through a divorce -- in other words, it could be one of the most universally relateable documentaries to ever hit the big screen. Watch!
Divorce Corp opens January 10.

James Scurlock, writer/director of the critically acclaimed documentary Maxed Out: Hard Times, Easy Credit and the Era of Predatory Lenders is a Divorce Corp producer and writer.

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Judge Peter McBrien Commission on Judicial Performance Whistleblower Leaked Transcript of Judicial Misconduct Prosecution - CJP Victoria Henley

Judge Peter McBrien Judicial Misconduct Prosecution Leaked Oral Argument Transcript

Friday Document Dump

Sacramento Family Court News has obtained a confidential court reporter transcript from the Commission on Judicial Performance prosecution of family court Judge Peter J. McBrien. The CJP is the government agency responsible for oversight and accountability of California judges. The document contains the complete 2009 oral argument by CJP prosecutor Andrew Blum detailing McBrien's misconduct in the Carlsson case. 

The published 3rd District opinion in Carlsson - authored by three appellate justices without past employment in Sacramento County Superior Court - "developed a certain notoriety" throughout the state, according to Sixth District Court of Appeal Presiding Justice Conrad L. Rushing. Justice Rushing characterized McBrien's conduct in the case as a "judicial reign of terror." To view Rushing's statements about the Carlsson case, click here. 

Court watchdogs point to the Carlsson case as one example of the preferential treatment family court judges provide attorneys who serve as temporary judges in the same court. Almost every ruling issued by McBrien in the case was in favor of the party represented by judge pro tem attorney Charlotte Keeley, according to the 3rd District. As a result of the appellate opinion, which overturned McBrien's decisions and ordered a new trial, the CJP charged McBrien with multiple violations of the Code of Judicial Ethics, including willful misconduct in office, persistent failure or inability to perform his duties, conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice that brings the judicial office into disrepute, and improper action within the meaning of article VI, section 18 of the California Constitution.

For further information about the McBrien CJP prosecution, and to view the confidential CJP transcript, click Read more >> below...

Judge Jaime Roman Embroilment, Abuse of Authority Against Outside Attorney Suggests Judge Pro Tem Attorney Monopoly, Implicates Anti-Trust, Unfair Competition Laws

Divorce attorneys Sharon Huddle (R) and Charlotte Keeley face-off at a hearing before Judge John Winn. 

News Analysis & Opinion

For Roseville family law attorney Sharon Huddle, the Sacramento Family Court proceedings surrounding issuance of a controversial order designating her client Andrew Karres a vexatious litigant may be déjà vu all over again. Throughout the 20-page order, written by Judge Jaime R. Roman, Huddle and her client are demeaned, disparaged and ridiculed. 

The opposing attorney - Judge Pro Tem Charlotte Keeley - and her client, Mel Rapton Honda heiress Katina Rapton, are portrayed by Roman in the patently unlawful order as victims. For our complete coverage of the vexatious litigant order and the Rapton-Karres case, click here. 

Judge Jaime Roman Controversy: Issues Vexatious Litigant Order Against Opposing Party for Part-Time Judge Divorce Attorney Charlotte Keeley Without Holding Required Court Hearing

Controversial divorce attorney and part-time Sacramento Superior Court judge Charlotte Keeley (R) leaves a family court hearing with client Katina Rapton. Keeley works as a volunteer judge in the same court.  

News Analysis & Opinion

The Sacramento Family Court News analysis team has been working overtime scrutinizing and trying to make sense of a controversial 20-page statement of decision issued on Nov. 14 of last year by Supervising Family Court Judge Jaime R. Roman. Click here for our initial report from 2012.

Roman's decision is now being challenged in both the Third District Court of Appeal, and in a federal class action lawsuit filed March 22 in U.S. District Court in San Francisco. It is certain that taxpayers will get a substantial bill for each case.

Court watchdogs contend Roman's order exemplifies the overt lawlessness that occurs weekly in family court, and the preferential treatment that full-time judges provide for-profit attorneys who also serve as temporary judges. 

Judge James Mize Replaces Jaime Roman as Supervising Family Law and Probate Judge After Just Seven Months - Infighting Blamed

Judge James Mize was named "Judge of the Year" in 2009 by the
Sacramento County Bar Association. 

Sacramento County Superior Court Judge James M. Mize has been named as the Supervising Family Law, Probate and ADA Judge, effective April 8, 2013. 

The supervising judge position previously was held by troubled Judge Jaime R. Roman, who replaced Judge Matthew J. Gary just seven months ago.

Gary was involuntarily removed in September, 2012 under a cloud of controversy, and several months before the normal, calendar year rotation of the supervising judge position. 

Tani Cantil-Sakauye Defendant & Jaime R. Roman Implicated in Federal Class Action Lawsuit for Misuse of Vexatious Litigant Law

Controversial Order for Judge Pro Tem Attorney Charlotte Keeley by Judge Jaime Roman Challenged in Federal Class Action Lawsuit

Taxpayers Face Financial Liability

Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye is named as a defendant in this federal court litigation stemming from a vexatious litigant court order issued by Sacramento Family Court Judge Jaime Roman for Judge Pro Tem Charlotte Keeley.

SACRAMENTO FAMILY COURT NEWS EXCLUSIVE

A November, 2012 court order designating a Sacramento Family Court party as a vexatious litigant is being challenged in a landmark federal class action lawsuit filed yesterday in United States District Court in San Francisco. The controversial order was issued by family court Judge Jaime Roman at the request of temporary judge and veteran family law attorney Charlotte Keeley in a case with a long-running child custody dispute between Andrew Karres and Mel Rapton Honda heiress Katina Rapton. 

The order blacklisted [pdf] Karres as a vexatious litigant [pdf] and raised eyebrows in the legal community because Roman issued the ruling without providing Karres the court hearing required under state law and the due process provisions of the state and federal Constitutions. 

The vexatious litigant designation severely restricts a litigants access to the courts by requiring them to get pre-approval from a presiding judge before they are permitted to file pleadings in any court in the state. Sacramento Family Court News in Nov. 2012 reported exclusively on Judge Roman's unorthodox order, which also is pending review by the Third District Court of Appeal in Sacramento. Taxpayers likely will now get two substantial bills in connection with the Keeley-Roman ruling. 

The state court appeal will cost the public between $8,500 and $25,500, according to recent appellate court decisions. The public cost of defending the federal case could be significantly higher. For several years, court watchdogs and whistleblowers have asserted that full-time judges give preferential treatment to judge pro tem attorneys. They charge that the Rapton-Karres case is one of several cases emblematic of judge-attorney cronyism and its effects, including the unnecessary use of scarce court resources and the financial burden on taxpayers. 

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