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To: Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, California Supreme Court

Remove Judge Thomas J Lo

Petition for the Removal of Judge Thomas J. Lo

To the Judicial Council of California and the Commission on Judicial Performance:

We, the undersigned, respectfully petition for the removal of Judge Thomas J. Lo from the Orange County Superior Court due to concerns regarding his judicial conduct and decision-making in matters impacting vulnerable families and individuals.

Grounds for Petition

Failure to Protect Vulnerable Parties
- Family Court Decisions: Multiple public comments and investigative reports allege that Judge Lo has disregarded court parenting guidelines and failed to adequately respond to reports of abuse, resulting in harm to children and families1 2.
- Case Example: In a high-profile case, Judge Lo, acting as a duty judge, denied requests for a restraining order and failed to act decisively to protect a mother and her children, despite evidence of severe emotional, physical, and financial distress. This inaction contributed to a premature birth and ongoing health crises for the newborn, raising serious questions about the court’s prioritization of child safety2.
Public Confidence and Judicial Accountability
- Public Comments: Numerous individuals have expressed frustration and concern on public forums, citing perceived bias, lack of empathy, and decisions that appear to prioritize procedural hurdles over the immediate safety and well-being of children and families1.
- Accountability: The judiciary must maintain public confidence by ensuring that judges act in accordance with established guidelines and the best interests of those they serve. Allegations of repeated failures to do so undermine the integrity of the court system.
Request for Investigation
- Review of Conduct: We request an immediate and thorough investigation into Judge Lo’s decisions and practices, particularly in family law and domestic violence cases.
- Transparency: The public deserves transparency regarding how judges interpret and enforce laws designed to protect children and vulnerable adults.

Conclusion

We urge the Judicial Council of California and the Commission on Judicial Performance to review the conduct of Judge Thomas J. Lo and, if warranted, remove him from the bench to restore faith in the Orange County Superior Court and ensure the safety and well-being of all who come before it.

Sincerely,
The People of Orange County, California

Why is this important?

Other people should join the campaign for the removal of a judge like Thomas J. Lo, or for broader judicial reform, because collective action is essential for holding the judiciary accountable and ensuring a legal system that serves everyone fairly and justly. Here are key reasons why public involvement matters:

Restoring Public Trust and Legitimacy
When judges act without accountability or fail to protect vulnerable individuals, public trust in the justice system erodes. Joining the campaign helps demand transparency and accountability, which are vital for restoring faith in the courts and ensuring that judges serve the public rather than their own interests or biases1 23.
Protecting the Vulnerable
Judges make decisions that profoundly affect people’s lives—especially those who are marginalized or at risk. Public campaigns can highlight cases where justice has failed, advocate for victims, and push for reforms that prevent future harm4 1.
Strengthening Democracy
Public involvement in law and judicial reform is a core aspect of democracy. When citizens engage, they help ensure that laws and legal processes reflect evolving societal values and address real-life needs. This engagement also fosters a sense of agency and responsibility among citizens, making the legal system more responsive and resilient5.
Promoting Judicial Accountability
In many places, judges are accountable to the public through elections or oversight bodies. Public campaigns can increase scrutiny of judicial conduct, encourage more informed voting, and push for stronger ethics rules and enforcement31 2.
Building a Fairer Society
Collective action can push for reforms that make the judiciary more accessible, sensitive, and fair to all—regardless of background or status. This helps address systemic issues and ensures that the law works for everyone, not just the powerful or well-connected4 5 1.

By joining the campaign, people help create a justice system that is fair, transparent, and truly serves the public good.