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Scores of speakers urge county to call for DOJ, FBI probe of Orange County family and probate courts; supervisors note limited jurisdiction
Summary
During general public comment, many residents demanded the board publicly request a DOJ and FBI investigation into Orange County family and probate courts, naming judges, attorneys and evaluators; board members repeatedly said the county lacks authority over the judiciary and pointed speakers to appellate and state complaint channels.
A large group of public speakers used the Dec. 2 general comment period to call on the Orange County Board of Supervisors to publicly request federal investigations into the county's family and probate courts.
Multiple speakers — including Julie Anderson Holburn, Glenn, Bridget Butler and several others — urged the board to "call for an independent investigation by the DOJ and the FBI" within 24 hours, citing a pattern of alleged failures and naming judges, minors’ counsel, therapists and evaluators they said are involved in systemic harm. "Enough is enough," several speakers said in variations, listing names they said appear across police reports, court filings and complaints to state agencies.
Board members repeatedly replied that the Board of Supervisors does not have jurisdiction over the courts. "We don't control the court system," Vice Chair Foley said, and another supervisor recommended contacting the California Commission on Judicial Performance or the Department of Justice for complaints about judges. Several board members encouraged speakers to file complaints with appropriate state or federal bodies and said the board could record speakers' concerns but cannot unilaterally investigate the judiciary.
The public comments were loud and emotionally charged; speakers raised personal cases and asked the board to take public positions. The board did not vote on any formal action requesting federal probes and continued with its regular agenda; several supervisors later suggested staff could compile options for how the county might assist people seeking recourse through proper legal channels.
