Rosenthal v. Justices Of The Supreme Court Of California, 910 F.2d 561 (9th Cir. 1990). · Go Syfert
Rosenthal v. Justices Of The Supreme Court Of California, 910 F.2d 561 (9th Cir. 1990). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
“a lawyer disciplinary proceeding is not a criminal proceeding.”
89 citation events (48 in the last 25 years) across 25 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of the State of New Mexico v. Charles Edward Lincoln, III (nmb, 2025-12-10)
Treatment trajectory · 1990 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
1990 2008 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 36 distinct citers. How cited ↗
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of the State of New Mexico v. Charles Edward Lincoln, III
Bankr. D.N.M. · 2025 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
a lawyer disciplinary proceeding is not a criminal proceeding.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Melkonians v. Los Angeles County Civil Service Commission
Cal. Ct. App. · 2009 · confidence medium
Therefore, it does not apply to a disbarment case.” (Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of California, supra, 910 F.2d at p. 565.) Similarly, Crawford does not apply to probation revocation proceedings.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) PRICE v. LEHTINEN (2×) also: Cited "see"
9th Cir. · 2009 · confidence medium
A suspension hearing is not a criminal proceeding so the “normal protections afforded a criminal defendant do not apply.” Rosenthal, 910 F.2d at 564; see also Ex Parte Wall, 107 U.S. 265, 288-89 (1883) (holding that no jury trial right attaches in an attorney disciplinary proceeding).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Price v. Lehtinen (2×) also: Cited "see"
9th Cir. · 2009 · confidence medium
A suspension hearing is not a criminal proceeding so the “normal protections afforded a criminal defendant do not apply.” Rosenthal, 910 F.2d at 564; see also Ex Parte Wall, 107 U.S. 265, 288-89 , 2 S.Ct. 569 , 27 L.Ed. 552 (1883) (holding that no jury trial right attaches in an attorney disciplinary proceeding).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Price v. Lehtinen (In Re Lehtinen)
9th Cir. BAP · 2005 · confidence medium
As attorney suspension and disbarment are neither compensatory nor designed to coerce compliance, they are arguably criminal sanctions, but “[a] lawyer disciplinary proceeding is not a criminal proceeding.” Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of California, 910 F.2d 561, 564 (9th Cir.1990).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Romero-Barcelo v. Acevedo-Vila (3×)
D.P.R. · 2003 · confidence medium
Thus, “[although attorney discipline proceedings have been called ‘quasi-criminal,’ the due process rights of an attorney in a disciplinary proceeding ‘do not extend so far as to guarantee the full panoply of rights afforded to an accused in a criminal case.’ ” Cordova-Gonzalez, 996 F.2d at 1336 (quoting Razatos v. Colorado Supreme Court, 746 F.2d 1429, 1435 (10th Cir.1984)) (citations omitted); see also Sealed Appellant, 211 F.3d at 254 -55 (quoting Razatos); Palmisano, 70 F.3d at 486 (where state court had disbarred attorney using clear and convincing burden of proof, federal cou…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Smith
N.D. Tex. · 2000 · confidence medium
In fact, several courts have held that “the due process rights of an attorney in a disciplinary proceeding do not extend so far as to guarantee the full panoply of rights afforded to an accused in a criminal case.” Sealed Appellant 1 v. Sealed Appellee 1, 211 F.3d 252, 254 (5th Cir.2000); see In re Palmisano, 70 F.3d 483, 486 (7th Cir.1995) (holding that “Ruffalo does not require courts to employ the procedures of the criminal law in disbarment matters”); Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of California, 910 F.2d 561, 564 (9th Cir.1990) (holding that “normal protections affor…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re: Steven Kramer
9th Cir. · 1999 · confidence medium
See, e.g., In re Ruffalo, 390 U.S. 544, 550 , 88 S.Ct. 1222 , 20 L.Ed.2d 117 (1968); Partington v. Gedan, 961 F.2d 852, 865 (9th Cir.1992); Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of California, 910 F.2d 561, 564-65 (9th Cir.1990); Clark v. State of Washington, 366 F.2d 678, 680 (9th Cir.1966); In Re Los Angeles County Pioneer Society, 217 F.2d 190, 193-94 (9th Cir.1954).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Owen v. Lucas
9th Cir. · 1998 · confidence medium
See Craig v. State Bar of California, No. 96-55396, slip op. 3591 (9th Cir. April 17, 1998) (applying District of Columbia Court of Appeals v. Feldman, 460 U.S. 462, 476 , 103 S.Ct. 1303 , 75 L.Ed.2d 206 (1983)); see also Moore v. Brewster, 96 F.3d 1240, 1243 (9th Cir.1996); Hirsh v. Justices of the Supreme Court of California, 67 F.3d 708, 714 (9th Cir.1995); Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of California, 910 F.2d 561, 567 (9th Cir.1990). 3 AFFIRMED. ** The panel unanimously finds this case suitable for decision without oral argument.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Wu v. State Bar of California
C.D. Cal. · 1997 · confidence medium
Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of California, 910 F.2d 561, 567 (9th Cir.1990) (citing Feldman), cert. denied, 498 U.S. 1087 , 111 S.Ct. 963 , 112 L.Ed.2d 1050 (1991).
cited Cited as authority (rule) John E. Wolfgram v. The State Bar of California and the State Bar Court Vivian L. Kral Dr. Captane Thomson Dr. David Stein
9th Cir. · 1996 · confidence medium
Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of California, 910 F.2d 561, 567 (9th Cir.1990), cert. denied, 498 U.S. 1087 (1991). 8 Our decision in Rosenthal was based on D.C.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Lou J. Briggs Citizens for Lou Briggs v. Ohio Elections Commission Judith D. Moss Michael H. Igoe George A. Leonard Alphonse P. Cincione
6th Cir. · 1995 · confidence medium
Contrast Briggs's case with that of the plaintiff in Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of California, 910 F.2d 561, 565 (9th Cir.1990).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Harvey Cooper v. The State Bar of California
9th Cir. · 1995 · confidence medium
See District of Columbia Court of Appeals v. Feldman, 460 U.S. 462, 476 (1983); Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of California, 910 F.2d 561, 567 (9th Cir. 1990); Cooper v. State Bar, 43 Cal. 3d 1016 , 741 P.2d 206 (1987). 3 AFFIRMED. * The panel unanimously finds this case suitable for decision without oral argument.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) IN RE: v. Cordova Gonzalez (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
1st Cir. · 1993 · confidence medium
Rather, an attorney facing discipline "is entitled to procedural due process, including notice and an opportunity to be heard." Rosenthal v. _________ Justices of Supreme Court, 910 F.2d at 564.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) IN RE: v. Cordova Gonzalez (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
1st Cir. · 1993 · confidence medium
Rather, an attorney facing discipline "is entitled to procedural due process, including notice and an opportunity to be heard." Rosenthal v. Justices of Supreme Court, 910 F.2d at 564.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Antonio L. Cordova-Gonzalez, in Re Antonio L. Cordova-Gonzalez (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
1st Cir. · 1993 · confidence medium
Rather, an attorney facing discipline “is entitled to procedural due process, including notice and an opportunity to be heard.” Rosenthal v. Justices of Supreme Court, 910 F.2d at 564.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Lebbos v. Arguelles
9th Cir. · 1992 · confidence medium
Abramson v. Brownstein, 897 F.2d 389, 391 (9th Cir.1990); Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of California, 910 F.2d 561, 564 (9th Cir.1990), cert. denied, sub nom.
discussed Cited "see" In The Matter of: Gary Victor Dubin
D. Haw. · 2021 · signal: see · confidence high
See Justs. of the Sup. Ct. of Cal., 910 F.2d at 564 (citation omitted); Scheer v. Kelly, 817 F.3d 1183, 1189 (9th Cir. 2016); cf. Casumpang v. ILWU Loc. 142, 108 Hawai‘i 411, 423–24, 121 P.3d 391 , 403–04 (2005) (“‘[D]ue process is not a fixed concept requiring a specific procedural course in every situation.
discussed Cited "see" In Re: David Lee Phillips, Attorney at Law, Bar No. 538
D. Nev. · 2020 · signal: see · confidence high
See Foster v. Cantil-Sakauye, 744 F. App’x 17 469, 470 (9th Cir. 2018) (noting that the “function of a court seeking to impose reciprocal 18 discipline is ‘far different’ from that of a court seeking to impose discipline in the first 19 instance”) (citing In re Kramer, 282 F.3d at 725 ). 20 That said, Mr. Phillips is of course “entitled to procedural due process, including 21 notice and an opportunity to be heard.” Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of 22 California, 910 F.2d 561, 564 (9th Cir. 1990).
discussed Cited "see" Philip Koebel v. Stevan Chandler
9th Cir. · 2018 · signal: see · confidence high
See Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of Cal., 910 F.2d 561 , 564 (9th Cir. 1990). 5 Contrary to Koebel’s claims, the record shows that the order to show cause issued by the bankruptcy court notified Koebel of the conduct charged against him.
cited Cited "see" Philip Koebel v. Stevan Chandler
9th Cir. · 2018 · signal: see · confidence high
See 5 Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of Cal., 910 F.2d 561 , 564 (9th Cir. 1990).
cited Cited "see" In Re Sibley
D.C. Cir. · 2009 · signal: see · confidence high
See Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of Cal., 910 F.2d 561 , 565 (9th Cir.1990).
cited Cited "see" McLaughlin v. Rendon
9th Cir. · 2002 · signal: see · confidence high
See Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of California, 910 F.2d 561, 565-66 (9th Cir.1990).
discussed Cited "see" Wildey v. General Atomics
9th Cir. · 2002 · signal: see · confidence high
See Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of California, 910 F.2d 561, 565-66 (9th Cir.1990); Romano, 169 F.3d at 1186-88 (“Absolute immunity extends to agency officials when they preside over hearings, initiate agency adjudication, or otherwise perform functions analogous to judges and prosecutors.”) The district court did not abuse its discretion by dismissing the action as to the remaining defendants as a result of Wil dey’s failure to file a timely third amended complaint.
cited Cited "see" Meek v. County of Riverside
C.D. Cal. · 1997 · signal: see · confidence high
See Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of California, 910 F.2d 561 , (9th Cir.1988).
cited Cited "see" Hirsh v. Justices of the Supreme Court of California
9th Cir. · 1995 · signal: see · confidence high
See Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of California, 910 F.2d 561, 565-66 (9th Cir.1990).
discussed Cited "see" Standing Committee on Discipline v. Yagman
C.D. Cal. · 1994 · signal: accord · confidence high
Procedural Rules “The nature of the disciplinary proceeding is neither civil nor criminal, but an investigation into the conduct of the lawyer-respondent.” Standing Committee on Discipline v. Ross, 735 F.2d 1168, 1170 (9th Cir. 1984); accord Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of California, 910 F.2d 561, 564 (9th Cir.1990).
cited Cited "see" Louisiana State Bar Ass'n v. Sanders
La. · 1990 · signal: see · confidence high
See Rosenthal v. Justices of the S.Ct. of California, 910 F.2d 561 (9th Cir.1990). [10] Art. 2447.
cited Cited "see, e.g." Peyman Roshan v. Melanie Lawrence
9th Cir. · 2024 · signal: see also · confidence low
Id. at 713; see also Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Ct. of Cal., 910 F.2d 561 (9th Cir. 1990).
discussed Cited "see, e.g." In re: Wade Robertson
D.C. Cir. · 2022 · signal: see also · confidence low
See In re Rose, 993 P.2d 956, 960 (Cal. 2000) (“[T]he due process clause does not require that we * * * issue a written opinion before denying an attorney’s petition for review of a State Bar Court decision recommending disbarment or suspension.”); see also Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of Cal., 910 F.2d 561 , 564–565 (9th Cir. 1990).
discussed Cited "see, e.g." In re: Harper
10th Cir. · 2013 · signal: compare · confidence low
Compare In re Sibley, 564 F.3d 1335, 1341 (D.C.Cir.2009) (holding that the right to confrontation does not apply in attorney disciplinary proceedings), In re Stamps, 173 Fed.Appx. 316, 318 (5th Cir.2006) (per curiam) (unpublished op.) (stating that the right to confrontation of witnesses does not apply in attorney disbarment proceedings), In re Marzocco, No. 98-3960, 1999 WL 968945 , at *1 (6th Cir. Sept. 28, 1999) (unpublished op.) (“The Confrontation Clause does not apply to a disbarment case.” (citation omitted)), and Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of Cal., 910 F.2d 561 , 56…
discussed Cited "see, e.g." Ledbetter v. City of Topeka, KS
10th Cir. · 2003 · signal: see also · confidence low
We acknowledge that the district court concluded that “by allowing the clerk to *1189 sign [Mr. Ledbetter’s arrest warrant] for the court, Judge Roach issued [the] warrant in violation of Kansas law.” Ledbetter, 2001 WL 80060 at *2. 3 However, a judicial officer is entitled to absolute immunity from a claim for damages under § 1988 unless he has acted “in the clear absence of all jurisdiction.” Stump v. Sparkman, 435 U.S. 349, 356 , 98 S.Ct. 1099 , 55 L.Ed.2d 331 (1978) (quotations and citations omitted); see also Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of Cal., 910 F.2d 561 , 56…
discussed Cited "see, e.g." In the Disciplinary Matter Involving Triem (2×)
Alaska · 1996 · signal: see also · confidence medium
William Hodes, The Law of Law-yering § 8.1:102, at 928 (2d ed. Supp.1996) (stating that “virtually all courts have concluded that the Supreme Court’s characterization [of disciplinary proceedings as quasi-criminal] ... was made in the narrower context of assessing the applicability of procedural Due Process concerns, such as entitlement to notice of the charges”); see also, Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of California, 910 F.2d 561, 564 (9th Cir.1990), ce rt. denied, 498 U.S. 1087 , 111 S.Ct. 963 , 112 L.Ed.2d 1050 (1991) (“A lawyer disciplinary proceeding is not a crimina…
discussed Cited "see, e.g." Michael Peretti v. National Transportation Safety Board Federal Aviation Administration
10th Cir. · 1993 · signal: see, e.g. · confidence low
See Hannah v. Larche, 363 U.S. 420 , 440 n. 16 (1960); see, e.g., Rosenthal v. Justices of Supreme Court of Cal., 910 F.2d 561 , 565 (9th Cir.1990), cert. denied, 111 S.Ct. 963 (1991); Schultz v. Wellman, 717 F.2d 301, 307 (6th Cir.1983); see also SEC v. Jerry T.
discussed Cited "see, e.g." Howard Waco v. Gregory Baltad, Raymond Mireles
9th Cir. · 1991 · signal: see also · confidence medium
Id. at 65 n. 6 (dictum); accord Ammons v. Baldwin, 705 F.2d 1445, 1448 (5th Cir.1983) (judge’s threat to use physical force on litigant “strays too far from the normal conduct of a judge to enjoy immunity”) (citing Gregory, 500 F.2d at 64 ), cert. denied, 465 U.S. *216 1006, 104 S.Ct. 999 , 79 L.Ed.2d 232 (1984); see also Rosenthal v. Justices of the Supreme Court of California, 910 F.2d 561, 566 (9th Cir.1990) (cites Gregory as an example of when a judge’s conduct is not a judicial act), cert. denied, — U.S. -, 111 S.Ct. 963 , 112 L.Ed.2d 1050 (1991).
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
Jerome B. Rosenthal, Esq.
v.
Justices of the Supreme Court of California Allen Broussard Edward Panelli John A. Arguelles David N. Eagleson Mildred Lillie Vaino Spencer Marcus Kaufman
88-15709.
Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Aug 1, 1990.
910 F.2d 561

910 F.2d 561

116 Lab.Cas. P 10,334

Jerome B. ROSENTHAL, Esq., Plaintiff-Appellant,
v.
JUSTICES OF THE SUPREME COURT OF CALIFORNIA; Allen
Broussard; Edward Panelli; John A. Arguelles;
David N. Eagleson; Mildred Lillie;
Vaino Spencer; Marcus
Kaufman, Defendants-Appellees.

No. 88-15709.

United States Court of Appeals,
Ninth Circuit.

Argued and Submitted March 13, 1990.
Decided Aug. 1, 1990.

Jerome B. Rosenthal, Los Angeles, Cal., pro se.

Daniel G. Stone and Cathy A. Neff, Deputy Attys. Gen., Sacramento, Cal. and Lawrence C. Yee, State Bar of California, San Francisco, Cal., for defendants-appellees.

Appeal from the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

Before HERBERT Y.C. CHOY, THOMAS TANG and ROBERT R. BEEZER, Circuit Judges.

BEEZER, Circuit Judge:

[*~561]1

Rosenthal appeals the district court's dismissal of his action against the justices of the California Supreme Court and officers of the state bar association arising out of his disbarment. We affirm.

2

Rosenthal was disbarred by the California Supreme Court on the recommendation of the Hearing Panel of the California State Bar and its Review Department. See Rosenthal v. State Bar of California, 43 Cal.3d 612, 238 Cal.Rptr. 377, 738 P.2d 723 (1987) (en banc), appeal dismissed, 488 U.S. 805, 109 S.Ct. 35, 102 L.Ed.2d 15 (1988) (Rosenthal I ). The recommendation was made after over ten years of hearings and proceedings following a complaint filed against Rosenthal by a former client, Doris Day, and her family. See id., 43 Cal.3d at 615-21, 238 Cal.Rptr. at 379-83, 738 P.2d at 725-29. Rosenthal had represented Day and her husband, Martin Melcher, for 18 years, until Melcher's death in 1968. See Day v. Rosenthal, 170 Cal.App.3d 1125, 217 Cal.Rptr. 89 (App.Ct.1985), cert. denied 475 U.S. 1048, 106 S.Ct. 1267, 89 L.Ed.2d 576 (1986). During that period, Rosenthal committed breaches of professional ethics that are difficult to exaggerate.[1] Rosenthal has also been disbarred by this court and appears before us pro se. In re Rosenthal, 854 F.2d 1187, 1188 (9th Cir.1988) (Rosenthal II ).

3

Rosenthal brought this action in federal court to allege constitutional and statutory defects in the state disbarment proceedings.[2] First, he argues that the statute authorizing judicial review of the bar association's recommendation impermissibly shifts the burden to him to show the evidence is insufficient to support disbarment. See Cal.Bus. & Prof.Code Sec. 6083(c). Second, he argues that the statute authorizing admission of documents from other disciplinary proceedings violates the confrontation clause. See Cal.Bus. & Prof.Code Sec. 6049.1(a). Third, he alleges that Chief Justice Malcolm Lucas of the California Supreme Court, who had earlier recused himself from the case, acted without jurisdiction when he signed an order on behalf of the court denying Rosenthal's petition for rehearing, violating 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1983. Finally, he charges that the Bar Association violated federal labor law, specifically 29 U.S.C. Sec. 411(a)(5), by not providing him a "full and fair hearing."

4

The district court rejected these arguments and dismissed the claims with prejudice. We review the district court's dismissal of a complaint de novo. Kruso v. Int'l Telephone and Telegraph Corp., 872 F.2d 1416, 1421 (9th Cir.1989).

5

* Rosenthal first argues that Cal.Bus. & Prof.Code Sec. 6083, which places upon the petitioner the burden to prove to the state Supreme Court that the bar association's recommendation of disbarment is erroneous,[3] violates both the principle of presumption of innocence and the command of the 14th Amendment that the state prove every element of an offense beyond a reasonable doubt.

[*561]6

We reject both of Rosenthal's attacks upon Section 6083(c). A lawyer disciplinary proceeding is not a criminal proceeding. See, e.g., Standing Comm. on Discipline v. Ross, 735 F.2d 1168, 1170 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, appeal dismissed, 469 U.S. 1081, 105 S.Ct. 583, 83 L.Ed.2d 694 (1984). As a result, normal protections afforded a criminal defendant do not apply. The principle of presumption of innocence is a creature of a criminal proceeding; and hence, does not apply in a lawyer disbarment proceeding. Similarly, Section 6083(c) does not violate the command of the 14th Amendment that the state prove every element of an offense beyond a reasonable doubt. That command, which arises from Sandstrom v. Montana, 442 U.S. 510, 99 S.Ct. 2450, 61 L.Ed.2d 39 (1975), applies only in criminal proceedings, not in a lawyer disbarment such as this one.

7

The lawyer subject to discipline is entitled to procedural due process, including notice and an opportunity to be heard. In re Ruffalo, 390 U.S. 544, 550, 88 S.Ct. 1222, 1226, 20 L.Ed.2d 117 (1968); Ross, 735 F.2d at 1170. California provides this and other protections. It allows the lawyer to call witnesses and cross-examine them. Emslie v. State Bar of California, 11 Cal.3d 210, 226, 113 Cal.Rptr. 175, 183-84, 520 P.2d 991, 999-1000 (1974) (en banc). At the hearing, the burden is on the state to establish culpability "by convincing proof and to a reasonable certainty"; "all reasonable doubts must be resolved in favor of the accused." Id.; see also Arden v. State Bar of Calif., 43 Cal.3d 713, 724, 239 Cal.Rptr. 68, 73, 739 P.2d 1236, 1241 (1987) (en banc).[4] The California Supreme Court, in deciding whether to accept the bar's recommendation, grants the bar's findings "great weight" but is not bound by them. Id. It must "independently examine the record, reweigh the evidence and pass on the sufficiency." Franklin v. State Bar of Calif., 41 Cal.3d 700, 708, 224 Cal.Rptr. 738, 742, 715 P.2d 699, 703 (1986) (en banc). Once again, "all reasonable doubts will be resolved in favor of the accused." Emslie, 11 Cal.3d at 220, 113 Cal.Rptr. at 179, 520 P.2d at 995. The petitioner need only show that the charges "are not sustained by convincing proof and to a reasonable certainty." Id.

8

The State of California provides attorneys subject to discipline with more than constitutionally sufficient procedural due process. We decline to hold this statute unconstitutional.

II

9

Rosenthal next argues that the California statute authorizing admission of documents from other disciplinary proceedings violates the confrontation clause. Cal.Bus. & Prof.Code Sec. 6049.1(a) provides:

10

In any disciplinary proceeding under this Chapter, a certified copy of a final order made by any court of record ... determining that a member of the State Bar committed professional misconduct ... shall be conclusive evidence that the member is culpable of professional misconduct in this state....

[*~562]11

At the time the proceeding against Rosenthal was commenced, the statute provided that:

12

authenticated copies of findings, conclusions, orders or judgments made or entered in any court of record ... in any disciplinary proceeding therein against the same person, shall be admissible....

13

The former statute also allowed admission of the "authenticated transcript of the testimony taken in ... out-of-state proceedings." Id. Rosenthal argues that these provisions deny him the right to cross-examine witnesses from other proceedings and violate the sixth amendment.

14

The state court decision in this matter shows that Rosenthal had no prior record of discipline. See Rosenthal I, 43 Cal.3d at 621, 238 Cal.Rptr. at 383, 738 P.2d at 729. Rosenthal identifies no record of a disciplinary proceeding against him that was admitted at his hearing. He points to the findings of a bankruptcy court that were admitted over his objection, arguing that because they were findings they fall under Sec. 6049.1. The findings were, however, admitted under a different statute, namely, Cal.Bus. & Prof.Code Sec. 6049.2. See Rosenthal I, 43 Cal.3d at 633, 238 Cal.Rptr. at 391, 738 P.2d at 737. Rosenthal's challenge to that statute was rejected by the California Supreme Court because he was a party to all the underlying proceedings and had a full opportunity to cross-examine adverse witnesses there. Id. He does not challenge Sec. 6049.2 here.

15

We reject Rosenthal's confrontation clause claim. The confrontation clause is a criminal law protection. Therefore, it does not apply to a disbarment case. In any event, we agree with the district court that Rosenthal has shown no "injury in fact," much less a "concrete and particularized one," flowing from application of Sec. 6049.1, the statute he challenges in this action. He fails to meet even the threshold test of standing to raise this claim. Duke Power Co. v. Carolina Environmental Study Group, Inc., 438 U.S. 59, 79-80, 98 S.Ct. 2620, 2633-34, 57 L.Ed.2d 595 (1978).

III

[*~563]16

Rosenthal next argues that Chief Justice Lucas, who recused himself from Rosenthal's case in the California Supreme Court, violated Rosenthal's constitutional rights by nevertheless signing on behalf of the court an order denying Rosenthal's petition for rehearing. To the extent this was error, it was harmless, for the entire state supreme court affirmed its decision in a second order signed by Acting Chief Justice Arguelles five months later. The second order specified that the decision to deny Rosenthal's petition for rehearing was unopposed. Furthermore, even if the order signed by Chief Justice Lucas were void, see Giometti v. Etienne, 219 Cal. 687, 28 P.2d 913, 914 (1934), rehearing would automatically have been denied when the time for granting Rosenthal's petition expired on September 11, 1987.

17

Any injury to Rosenthal caused by Chief Justice Lucas' signing of the order was cured by the later order. But even if it were not, and the Chief Justice acted in excess of his jurisdiction, we agree with the district court that he remained immune from suit. A judge is immune from suit under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1983 for acts in excess of his jurisdiction, so long as the acts themselves were judicial. Stump v. Sparkman, 435 U.S. 349, 355-57, 363 n. 12, 98 S.Ct. 1099, 1104-05, 1108 n. 12, 55 L.Ed.2d 331 (1978); Bradley v. Fisher, 80 U.S. (13 Wall.) 335, 351, 20 L.Ed. 646 (1871); cf. Forrester v. White, 484 U.S. 219, 108 S.Ct. 538, 544, 98 L.Ed.2d 555 (1988) (administrative functions not judicial acts); Gregory v. Thompson, 500 F.2d 59, 63-64 (9th Cir.1974) (physical assault on person in courtroom not judicial act). The scope of a judge's jurisdiction will be construed broadly. Stump, 435 U.S. at 363, 98 S.Ct. at 1108. The signing of this order was manifestly a judicial act and this claim was properly dismissed.

IV

18

Finally, Rosenthal argues that the state bar itself violated federal law in conducting his disbarment proceedings. This claim is grounded in the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act ("LMRDA"), 29 U.S.C. Sec. 402, et seq., which requires a "labor organization" to provide a "full and fair hearing" before it may discipline or expel a member. 29 U.S.C. Sec. 411(a)(5).

[*~564]19

A "labor organization" is defined by the statute as either "the certified representative of employees" or an organization "recognized as acting as the representative of employees," 29 U.S.C. Secs. 402(j)(1), (2), which "exists for the purpose, in whole or in part, of dealing with employers" 29 U.S.C. Sec. 402(i). Such an organization must, among other things, report annually to the Secretary of Labor. 29 U.S.C. Sec. 431.

20

Rosenthal argues that the state bar is a "labor organization" under the statute because it deals at least in part with "employers." He directs us to no case supporting his proposition and we are aware of none. The Supreme Court has recognized a "substantial analogy" between the California State Bar and a labor union for first amendment purposes. See Keller v. State Bar of California, --- U.S. ----, ----, 110 S.Ct. 2228, 2233-35, 110 L.Ed.2d 1 (1990) (Keller II ). This analogy does not establish that the bar association is a labor union. On the contrary, substantial differences remain. The California State Bar is created by state law "to regulate the State's legal profession" and "improv[e] the quality of legal services." Id. at ---- - ----, ---- - ----, 110 S.Ct. at 2228-31, 2235-37. A labor union is organized primarily to conduct collective bargaining with management, a benefit bar members do not enjoy. Id. at ---- - ----, 110 S.Ct. at 2233-37. See also Lathrop v. Donohue, 367 U.S. 820, 842-43, 848, 81 S.Ct. 1826, 1837-38, 1840, 6 L.Ed.2d 1191 (1961) (opinion of Brennan, J.); id. at 849, 81 S.Ct. at 1841 (Harlan, J., concurring) (noting similarities in legislative activities and public interest justifications).

[*~565]21

Other federal courts have recognized that the two types of organizations raise similar membership and first amendment issues, but otherwise involve different areas of the law. See Levine v. Heffernan, 864 F.2d 457, 461 (7th Cir.1988) (district court was "forced to analogize the integrated bar to the union shop" which was "not ... the identical area of the law"), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 110 S.Ct. 204, 107 L.Ed.2d 157 (1989); Gibson v. The Florida Bar, 798 F.2d 1564, 1568 (11th Cir.1986); Arrow v. Dow, 544 F.Supp. 458, 460 (D.N.M.1982). State courts have come to the same conclusion. See Falk v. State Bar of Michigan, 418 Mich. 270, 342 N.W.2d 504, 514 (1983); Sams v. Olah, 225 Ga. 497, 169 S.E.2d 790, 799 (1969) (under state right to work act, state bar "is not a labor organization, the lawyer is not an employee, nor is the client an employer"); In re Integrating the Bar, 222 Ark. 35, 259 S.W.2d 144, 151 (1953) (bar does not represent lawyers regarding wages or working conditions "and bargains with no one").

22

In recommending disbarment, the bar association is not a private organization disciplining its members, but an "administrative arm" of the state Supreme Court designed to assist its decisionmaking. See Chaney v. State Bar of Cal., 386 F.2d 962, 966 (9th Cir.1967). Final authority for disbarment rests not with the bar but with the state Supreme Court. Keller II, --- U.S. at ---- - ----, 110 S.Ct. at 2233-35. For this and other reasons, the California state bar is established by the legislature, holds public meetings, and is governed at least in part by persons appointed by the governor who are not bar members. See Keller v. State Bar of California, 47 Cal.3d 1152, 255 Cal.Rptr. 542, 548, 767 P.2d 1020, 1026 (en banc) (Keller I ), rev'd on other grounds, --- U.S. ----, 110 S.Ct. 2228, 110 L.Ed.2d 1 (1990). We conclude that in carrying out its statutory responsibilities regarding attorney discipline, the California State Bar is not a "labor organization" under the LMRDA.

23

The district court also concluded that, to the extent Rosenthal challenges the fairness of the hearings, they have already been reviewed by the California Supreme Court. That court has concluded that the bar's recommendation was proper. Only the United States Supreme Court, and not this court, has jurisdiction to look behind that decision. District of Columbia Court of Appeals v. Feldman, 460 U.S. 462, 476, 482, 103 S.Ct. 1303, 1311, 1315, 75 L.Ed.2d 206 (1983); Doe v. State Bar of California, 415 F.Supp. 308, 312 (N.D.Cal.1976), aff'd, 582 F.2d 25 (9th Cir.1978).

V

24

We hold that the district court correctly dismissed Rosenthal's claims. The judgment of the district court is

[*~566]25

AFFIRMED.

1

The California Supreme Court found that Rosenthal had, among other things, (1) negotiated a retainer agreement giving him a 10% interest in everything the Melchers owned, above and beyond litigation fees; (2) set up oil and gas ventures that cost the Melchers over $4 million while netting Rosenthal $400,000 in secret profits and hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees; (3) set up sham tax shelters involving the purchase of bonds from other clients of Rosenthal, for which he received a commission without disclosing his conflict of interest, and provoking ten years of tax litigation during which he failed to communicate settlement offers; (4) set up hotel investment schemes toward which the Melchers made constant payments and from which Rosenthal, as partial owner, siphoned funds; (5) failed to provide any accounting and convinced Melcher that an audit by Price, Waterhouse & Co. was inaccurate; and (6) convinced Melcher to take, without Day's knowledge or permission, nearly $3 million from Day's personal accounts to "loan" to family businesses that turned the money over to Rosenthal. During this period Rosenthal received over $2.5 million in legal fees. Day, 170 Cal.App.3d at 1135-41, 217 Cal.Rptr. at 94-99. After Melcher's death, the scheme unraveled and Day fired Rosenthal. In response, Rosenthal filed at least 18 lawsuits against Day, id. at 1141, 217 Cal.Rptr. at 98; and blocked efforts to salvage funds from the hotel bankruptcy proceedings, costing Day another half-million dollars. Id. When a receiver was appointed, Rosenthal not only refused to turn over documents and files but forced sheriff's deputies to call out a locksmith to gain access to the file room to obtain the Melcher/Day files. Id. Rosenthal did all this without ever considering his behavior inappropriate. Id. at 1141, 217 Cal.Rptr. at 99

2

Rosenthal's original federal court complaint was dismissed, but on appeal we held that one of his constitutional claims had facial validity and remanded for a determination on the merits. No. 87-2418, Order dated April 29, 1988. On remand, the district court dismissed the amended complaint. This appeal followed

3

Cal.Bus. & Prof.Code Sec. 6083 reads:

(a) A petition to review or to reverse or modify any decision recommending the disbarment or suspension from practice of a member of the State Bar may be filed with the Supreme Court....

(c) Upon such review the burden is upon the petitioner to show wherein the decision or action is erroneous.

4

Rosenthal does not argue here that he was denied constitutional protections in his extensive hearings before the bar association or that the burden of proof was wrongly allotted there. Indeed, he raised such arguments before the California Supreme Court, which rejected them as "completely meritless" and "technical defenses devoid of any sincere discussion of the merits of the serious findings against him." Rosenthal I, 43 Cal.3d at 632-33, 238 Cal.Rptr. at 390-91, 738 P.2d at 736-37. We have also rejected Rosenthal's challenges to the bar's conduct of the hearings in affirming his disbarment from this court. Rosenthal II, 854 F.2d at 1188