if a lawyer wants a judge recused who approves it

by Christy Bartell 3 min read

Can a judge be forced to recuse himself?

A judge who determines it is necessary to recuse him/herself will advise the parties and attorneys of the grounds for that determination, and will ask the court administrator to reassign the case to a different judge.

What is the recusal of judges?

Mar 26, 2010 · Erwin lawyer wants judge’s recusal Share this: ... A lawyer for former Assistant Assessor Jim Erwin is seeking to recuse the Superior Court judge hearing Erwin’s case because the judge once ...

When do judges recuse themselves and transfer the matter to colleagues?

Apr 02, 2022 · A judge shall hear and decide matters assigned to the judge, except where the judge has recused himself or herself or when disqualification is required by Rule 2.11 or other law. Comment (1) to Rule 2.7 states, in pertinent part:

Can a judge withdraw himself from a case?

Ga. Atty Wants Judge Recused For Bias After Contempt Clash. Law360 (September 29, 2021, 3:54 PM EDT) -- A Georgia defense attorney has asked that …

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What does judge recused mean?

Judges recuse themselves when they take no part in deciding cases that they would otherwise help decide. The Due Process clauses of the United States Constitution require judges to recuse themselves from cases in two situations: Where the judge has a financial interest in the case's outcome.

How do you make a judge recuse himself?

A motion to recuse is a legal motion filed in court that says a judge should be disqualified, or removed, from a legal case for a reason listed within CCP 170.1. The motion can be brought by either a prosecutor or a defense attorney. And, a motion to recuse can be filed in either a civil suit or in a criminal trial.

What is a request for judicial intervention?

A form that a party files in an action that has not yet been assigned to a judge. The RJI is a request for the court to become involved in the matter and will result in the assignment of a judge, who will then preside over the action until its end.

How does merit selection of judges typically work?

How does merit selection of judges typically work? A blue-ribbon commission nominates judicial candidates for appointment. Judges are subject to retention elections to keep their offices. The governor appoints recommended candidates to office.

What does recusal mean in law?

Primary tabs. Recusal means the self-removal of a judge or prosecutor because of a conflict of interest.

Can Supreme Court justices recuse themselves?

In the Supreme Court of the United States, the Justices typically recuse themselves from participating in cases in which they have financial interests.

What is an Rji in a divorce?

An RJI is called a Request for Judicial Intervention (UD-13) or (A-11), and it is a request that must be made in a conflictual divorce or an uncontested divorce if you want a judge assigned to a case.Oct 21, 2018

How do judges interpret the law?

Judges use a variety of tools to help them interpret statutes, most frequently relying on five types of interpretive tools: ordinary meaning, statutory context, canons of construction, legislative history, and evidence of the way a statute is implemented.Apr 5, 2018

What is an IAS judge?

The New York state court system that provides for the continuous supervision of each action or proceeding by a single judge. Actions and proceedings are randomly assigned to the judges of the court once a party files a request for judicial intervention (RJI).

What is one of the most frustrating aspects of being a judge?

What is one of the most frustrating aspects of being a judge? Heavy caseloads and corresponding administrative problems.

What is the merit selection process?

Merit selection is a way of choosing judges through a non-partisan commission of lawyers and non lawyers that investigates and evaluates applicants. The commission submits the names of the most highly qualified applicants to the Governor, who makes the final selection.

What is a merit based system?

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The merit system is the process of promoting and hiring government employees based on their ability to perform a job, rather than on their political connections. It is the opposite of the spoils system.

What happens if a judge is biased?

If a judge is biased or prejudiced for or against a party or attorney, he cannot be fair and impartial in deciding the case. A party or attorney who believes such bias or prejudice exists must prove it with admissible evidence, and cannot base this belief on mere suspicion.

What is a judge's relationship with a party?

Judge's Relationship to a Party or Attorney. A judge's fairness and impartiality may be compromised when he or she has had a business or professional relationship with a party or attorney. In cases where the judge was a party's business partner or attorney, as well as in cases where the judge was a member of a law firm representing a party, ...

What is the principle of the American judiciary?

One of the key principles of the American judicial system is that the judge who presides over a case must be fair and impartial. In the vast majority of cases, the issue of the judge's fairness and impartiality never comes up. There are instances, however, when one of the parties in a civil case has reason to believe that ...

Can a judge be impartial?

Even a judge who is not serving as the finder of fact (i.e., when the case is to be decided by a jury) cannot be fair and impartial if he or she has personal knowledge of disputed facts, because the judge's evidentiary rulings (in pleadings and motions made by the parties) may be influenced by that knowledge.

Can a judge recuse himself?

In those situations, the judge will either recuse himself or the litigant will move to have the judge disqualified from presiding over the case. Let's look at some of the circumstances that may lead to a judge's recusal or disqualification.

Why do judges recuse themselves?

Recusals usually take place due to a conflict of interest of some type that will result in the judge or prosecutor being too biased to fairly participate in the case . Some of the top reasons a recusal may take place include: Bias or prejudice concerning the party or their attorney.

What happens if a judge knows about evidence?

If a judge knows about such evidence, it could stop her from being impartial and she should recuse herself. Similarly, if a judge was the prosecutor in a case years ago that is later appealed, she could not judge the appeal.

What is personal knowledge of disputed facts?

This is less of a problem for prosecutors, but often there is evidence uncovered during the investigation of a case that is not actually admitted in the factual record of the case or that conflicts with the evidence presented in court .

What is an economic interest in a case?

An economic interest in the case. While this is more commonly a problem for judges handling civil cases, it can still affect criminal ones as well. For example, if the prosecutor’s wife holds a lot of stock in a company being tried for fraud (which would likely result in the stock plummeting if the company is found guilty), he might be, ...

Can a defense lawyer represent more than one defendant?

The usual grounds are that a defense lawyer shouldn’t represent more than one defendant on a case . Another conflict is the defense lawyer has previously represented a co-defendant or a witness in the case. Anyone who believes their motion to recuse a judge or prosecutor was improperly denied should tell their Carmel Valley defense lawyer ...

Who recused himself from the Mueller investigation?

Ever since Mueller was named as the special counsel in the Russia investigation against Trump, there has been a lot of talk about the fact that Jeff Sessions recused himself from the investigation and how that may have changed the outcome of the whole situation.

Is it enough to try a case involving a person?

Simply trying a case involving the person or their lawyer in the past isn’t enough, there must be evidence there is actual bias or prejudice preventing them from acting fairly in the trial. A personal relationship to the party or their attorney.

When is a judge disqualified from presiding over a matter?

A judge is disqualified from presiding over a matter when a specified disqualifying fact or circumstance is present. See Rule 2.11.

What is the issue of disqualification or recusal?

Ultimately, the issue of disqualification or recusal requires the judge to determine whether his or her impartiality might reasonably be questioned. If the judge has a doubt as to disclosure, it is, of course, more prudent to err on the side of disclosure.

What is the purpose of the Ethics Committee of the Pennsylvania Conference of State Trial Judges?

A function of The Ethics Committee of the Pennsylvania Conference of State Trial Judges (the "Committee") is to provide guidance regarding ethical concerns to judicial officers subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct (the "Code"). Inquiries regarding disqualification and recusal are among the more numerous questions addressed to the Committee.

What is Rule 2.7?

Rule 2.7 of the Code provides: A judge shall hear and decide matters assigned to the judge, except where the judge has recused himself or herself or when disqualification is required by Rule 2.11 or other law. Comment (1) to Rule 2.7 states, in pertinent part: . . .

What is a permissive rule?

Where a Rule contains a permissive term, such as "may" or "should," the conduct being addressed is committed to the personal and professional discretion of the judge or candidate in question, and no disciplinary action should be taken for action or inaction within the bounds of such discretion. . . .

Does the rule of reliance apply to formal advisory opinions?

Therefore, the "rule of reliance" set forth in Preamble (8) of the Code does not apply to this Formal Advisory Opinion. 1.

Is recusal warranted?

There shall be a rebuttable presumption that recusal or disqualification is not warranted when a contribution or reimbursement for transportation , lodging, hospitality or other expenses is equal to or less than the amount required to be reported as a gift on a judge's Statement of Financial Interest.

How many states require judges to be elected?

Thirty-nine states require judges to be elected for a specific period of time. 2 If the sitting judge wants to keep the seat, he or she will have to campaign again at the end of the term and try to beat off contenders.

Why was Justice Roberts disqualified from hearing Warner Lambert v. Kent?

Kent, a case before the Supreme Court in 2008. He disqualified himself because he owned significant amounts of stock in the defendant’s parent company, Pfizer. 12 In a 2007 financial disclosure statement, Justice Roberts wrote that he owned stock in the company that was worth between $10,000 and $50,000. 13 That case involved the question of whether decisions made by the FDA on the labeling of a drug approved for marketing in the U.S. preempt state-based product liability cases when the plaintiff claims that a drug company should be held liable because it did not adequately warn against foreseeable injuries. Four of the justices voted to uphold the Court of Appeals decision in favor of the injured plaintiffs after finding that the FDA’s mandated labeling does not preempt state product liability laws. The four other justices would have reversed the Court of Appeals decision, thereby holding that federal law on the issue does preempt inconsistent state laws. Under the rules of procedure, when the U.S. Supreme Court ends with a tied vote, the Court of Appeals decision is affirmed. 14

How much money was spent on the Supreme Court in 2000?

The total amount of money spent to elect judges to state supreme court positions from 2000 to 2007 was about $168 million, double the amount spent during the 1990s. 10.

How much did Blankenship contribute to Brent Benjamin?

Before the state’s highest court could review the matter, Blankenship contributed $3 million to the 2004 campaign of attorney Brent Benjamin, who was vying to unseat one of the five justices sitting on this court whose term was up.

What is the purpose of due process?

One of the primary purposes of due process is to assure that judges, not legislators, will define and guarantee fairness, liberty, and justice to everyone brought before the courts. As you might imagine, this puts an awesome responsibility on those judges who must administer these concepts.

What is due process hearing?

Due process is the principal that assures us that we are entitled to all of the rights that our government must abide by, as opposed to only some those rights. 3.

What is the significance of Caperton v Massey?

On March 3, 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in the case of Caperton v. Massey. In describing the facts of the case, one observer likened the dispute to a John Grisham novel. 5 The case, which has been dragging on for about 10 years, highlights circumstances surrounding judicial elections. The bottom line issue is whether an elected judge’s refusal to take himself off a case involving a chief financial backer violates the Constitution’s promise of due process for all. From the questions asked of the litigants (nine Justices of the Supreme Court), the debate is more cantankerous than one might think. 6 Some of the justices identified as “conservative” on due process debates expressed doubts that it would be possible to craft a rule that would distinguish between legitimate political activity and improper appearances of bias on the part of an elected judge. The more “liberal” justices seemed to think that a reasonable standard could be developed by asking if a person who knew all the facts about a judge’s relationship to a litigant believed that the judge would have a difficult time in not showing any bias or conflict of interest.

What should a judge inform himself about?

Is to the judge’s knowledge likely to be a material witness in the proceeding. A judge should inform himself about his personal and fiduciary financial interests, and make a reasonable effort to inform himself about the personal financial interests of his spouse and minor children residing in his household.

What is the power of the judicial council of the circuit?

If a judge or clerk of court is remiss in failing to notify the chief judge of the district or circuit, the judicial council of the circuit has ample power under section 332 of this title to apply a remedy.

What is the meaning of 455?

28 U.S. Code § 455 - Disqualification of justice, judge, or magistrate judge. Any justice, judge, or magistrate judge of the United States shall disqualify himself in any proceeding in which his impartiality might reasonably be questioned. Where in private practice he served as lawyer in the matter in controversy, ...

What does "a party" mean in a court case?

Is a party to the proceeding, or an officer, director, or trustee of a party ; (ii) Is acting as a lawyer in the proceeding; (iii) Is known by the judge to have an interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the proceeding; (iv)

What is section 24 of title 28?

Section 24 of title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., applied only to district judges. The revised section is made applicable to all justices and judges of the United States. The phrase “in which he has a substantial interest” was substituted for “concerned in interest in any suit.”.

Is a mutual fund a financial interest?

Ownership in a mutual or common investment fund that holds securities is not a “financial interest” in such securities unless the judge participates in the management of the fund; (ii) An office in an educational, religious, charitable, fraternal, or civic organization is not a “financial interest” in securities held by the organization; (iii) ...

Can a magistrate judge accept a waiver of a disqualification?

No justice, judge, or magistrate judge shall accept from the parties to the proceeding a waiver of any ground for disqualification enumerated in subsection (b). Where the ground for disqualification arises only under subsection (a), waiver may be accepted provided it is preceded by a full disclosure on the record of the basis for disqualification.

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What Is The Recusal of Judges?

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The word recusal in judicial context means to “remove oneself due to conflict of interest”. Recusal is “removal of oneself as a judge or policymaker in a particular matter, especially because of a conflict of interest”. In India Judiciary is considered to be the ultimate force in serving justice and therefore the judges of the High Co…
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What Are The Different Kinds of Recusal?

  • It has been observed that there are two types of recusal of judges: Firstly, Automatic Recusal, in this kind, a judge can himself withdraw himself from the case. Secondly, where one of theparties objects the fairness of the judge due to his personal bias or interest in the case followed by the parties request of recusal of the judge. A judge cannot be forced to recuse himself from a case …
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How The Practice of Recusal Started in Common Law Jurisprudence?

  • The practice of recusal of justice was first observed and it can be marked that in the case of 1852 in Dimes v Grand Junction Canalwhere the interest of judge has been questioned as he possessed some share of the company which is a party to the case. It has held in this case that Lord Cottenham was “disqualified on the ground of interest from sitting as a judge in the cause and t…
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Position in India

  • India currently does not have any provisions governing this practice of recusal by judges. However, there have been instances where the courts have tried to take action and provide clarity when such recusal by judges can be accepted by the court. These actions by the court tried to provide that justice is served by following the basic principles of impartiality. 1. It was seen in th…
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Conclusion

  • The present judicial structure in context to the recusal of judges is different from what was observed and seen in the initial days of it emerging as a custom in common law jurisprudence. India is still one of the countries which are not having any provisions regarding the recusal of judges. It has been observed in the past few years that many Supreme Court and High Court jud…
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Endnote

  1. INDIA CONST. Schedule III, List IV (Forms of oath or affirmation) (1950).
  2. Black’s Law Dictionary, 1303 (8th ed. 2004).
  3. Dimes v Grand Junction Canal, 10 E.R. 301.
  4. Ashok Kumar Yadav v State of Haryana & Ors (1985) 4 SCC 417.
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