Section 96.5 - Perversion or obstruction of justice by judicial officer, court commissioner, or referee(a) Every judicial officer, court commissioner, or referee who commits any act that he or she knows perverts or obstructs justice, is guilty of a public offense punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year.(b) Nothing in this section prohibits prosecution under paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 182 of the Penal Code or any other law.EFFECTIVE 1/1/2000. Amended October 10, 1999 (Bill Number: SB 832) (Chapter 853).