2. Introduction
Ronald Rotunda, a former commissioner of the
California Fair Political Practices Commission,
has served for the last five years as the Doy &
Dee Henley Chair and Distinguished Professor
of Jurisprudence at Chapman University.
Additionally, he has chaired the subcommittee
that drafted the Model Rules for Lawyer
Disciplinary Enforcement used by the
American Bar Association.
3. Creation of California’s Fair
Political Practices Commission
Created by the Political Reform Act of
1974, California’s Fair Political Practices
Commission administers and oversees rules
and regulations related to the law. As part of
this regulatory function, members of the public
can file complaints against individuals or
organizations they believe have violated the
law.
4. Complaint Process
The complaint process is set in motion when
an individual files a sworn complaint. Within 14
days of filing, the commission decides how to
proceed on a given case. Actions range from
closure of the case to pursuing a formal
investigation.
5. Conclusion
After the completion of a formal investigation in
cases that merit such an action, commissioners
decide on appropriate penalties if violations are
found. These sanctions range from settlements
with the accused parties, in which fines or other
penalties are levied, to administrative prosecution.
On the other hand, if at any point in the
proceedings violations are found not to have
occurred, the case will ultimately be dismissed.
Thus, through the formal complaint process, the
Fair Political Practices Commission efficiently
investigates and enforces state political reform
law.
