Judicial Errors

"A trial judge is not accountable for performing his judicial functions and office because such performance is a matter of public duty and responsibility. The judge's office and duty to render and administer justice, being functions of sovereignty, should not be taken for granted. No administrative charge for manifest partiality, gross misconduct and gross ignorance of the law should be brought against him for the orders issued in the course of judicial proceedings." - Justice Bersamin

It is settled that a judge's failure to interpret the law or to properly appreciate the evidence presented does not necessarily render him administratively liable. Only judicial errors tainted with fraud, dishonesty, gross ignorance, bad faith, or deliberate intent to do an injustice will be administratively sanctioned. To hold otherwise would be to render judicial office untenable, for no one called upon to try the facts or interpret the law in the process of administering justice can be infallible in his judgment.

If a party is prejudiced by the order of a judge, his remedy lies with the proper court for appropriate judicial action and not with the Office of the Court Administrator by means of an administrative complaint.