Opinion ID: 1172050
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Rejection of Requested Argument Time.

Text: (4) Judge Ryan also contends that he was denied due process because the Commission refused to provide his counsel with adequate oral argument time to present his defense. The judge requested 2 hours, but the Commission limited argument to 45 minutes for each side. The judge argues that 45 minutes was insufficient to address the numerous charges brought against him and asks that we remand his case to the Commission for further argument. Rule 914 of the California Rules of Court provides: [T]he Commission shall give the judge and the examiner an opportunity to be heard orally before the Commission.... However, the rule does not specify a minimum time allotment for oral argument. Nevertheless, 45 minutes for oral argument is certainly a reasonable time limit. Argument before this court is limited to 45 minutes even in automatic appeals, where the issues are often more numerous and complex. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 22.) Judge Ryan had the opportunity in his briefs to address every charge in detail. Moreover, as a result of the questioning by the Commissioners, Judge Ryan's counsel was allowed to argue for a total of 59 minutes. The Commission did not abuse its discretion in limiting the oral argument time. Judge Ryan's petition for remand is denied.