Disqualification of Judges

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As a general rule, judges are required to disqualify themselves from hearing a case when the judge's impartiality might reasonably be called into question. There is a fundamental right to an impartial tribunal, and a biased judge robs a party of due process of law.

Situations Where Disqualification is Appropriate

• If the judge has a personal interest in the outcome of the case or has a family member or close relative who is a party to the case
• If the judge has more than a minimal financial interest in the outcome of the case
• If the judge has a close social relationship with a litigant, lawyer, or witness in the case
• If the judge was previously a lawyer on the same or a related case or was associated with the lawyers on the case or a related case
• If the judge has been a material witness on the case or a related case
• If the judge has prior personal knowledge of disputed facts in the case
• When the judge's campaign coordinator or campaign committee member is a party or lawyer in the case

Situations in Which Disqualification is Not Automatic

The judge is not automatically disqualified in a case involving someone who was an ordinary contributor to the judge's election campaign. However, the contribution is a factor in determining disqualification.

The judge does not have to remove himself/herself automatically from case involving a litigant who has previously filed an ethics complaint against the judge.

Procedures for Removing Judge

The judge has discretion in deciding whether to recuse himself/herself voluntarily remove (recuse) from a case. In addition, a party can file a motion to disqualify the judge if the party thinks the judge is biased. The party has to have a reasonable factual basis for believing the judge is not impartial. A judge's decision not to disqualify himself/herself can be appealed. In some states, the parties can waive any grounds for disqualification and agree to allow the judge to hear the case.

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