Davis v. MacLaughlin
Marcellus Davis, Jr. sued L & R Automotive Supply Co. in small claims court and lost at a hearing presided over by a temporary judge. Davis complained to the supervising judge that the temporary judge was biased against him because of his race and mental disability. The complaint was referred to the Los Angeles County Superior Courts Temporary Judges Committee, which reviewed the record of the small claims proceedings, found no evidence of bias or unfairness, and (by letter from Comr. Douglas G. Carnahan) so advised Davis. Dissatisfied, Davis complained to the presiding judge (Hon. William A. MacLaughlin), who referred the matter to the assistant presiding judge (Hon. Stephen J. Czuleger), who reviewed the entire file, then wrote to Davis to tell him his claims were without merit and the case had been closed.
Davis then filed a pro se complaint against the judge pro tem, the commissioner, and the supervising, presiding and assistant presiding judges, alleging a conspiracy to deny his constitutional right to due process that caused him to suffer emotional distress. The judicial officers demurred on the ground of judicial immunity and the demurrer was sustained without leave to amend. Davis appeals. The judgment is affirmed.
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