Impartiality

Texas Judge Steps Down From Death Row Case Amid Controversy Over Impartiality and Relationships

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PALESTINE, Texas — A retired Texas judge, who earlier this year signed the execution warrant for death row inmate Robert Roberson, has withdrawn from presiding over his case. The recusal of Senior State District Judge Deborah Oakes Evans was filed in Anderson County this Monday, though no specific reasons were detailed in the public filings. Roberson, 54, was found guilty in 2003 of the capital murder of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, who suffered from chronic illness. During his trial, prosecutors presented allegations that Roberson had violently shaken Nikki, leading to her death. Roberson has … Read more

Judge Queries Jurors on Impartiality in Trial of Officers Accused in Tyre Nichols Case

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Memphis, Tennessee — A Memphis judge began the painstaking process of selecting jurors who could impartially decide the fate of three former police officers accused in the violent arrest and subsequent death of Tyre Nichols. During pre-trial hearings, the court emphasized the importance of finding jurors who can set aside any prior knowledge or biases related to the high-profile case that resulted in widespread protests and renewed debates over police brutality. The judge took time to assess each potential juror’s ability to remain neutral, recognizing the extensive media attention the case has attracted since Nichols’ … Read more

Federal Judiciary Urged to Curb ‘Judge Shopping’ to Ensure Fairness and Impartiality in Texas Courts

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Dallas, Texas – The advisory body to the federal judiciary has recently issued guidelines to discourage the practice of “judge shopping,” a tactic used by attorneys to ensure their case is heard by a judge who aligns with their cause. While the guidelines are not binding, there is a call for federal courts in Texas to adopt them. Judge shopping involves attorneys seeking out single-judge divisions within federal courts where the judge is likely to align with their ideology. This tactic is used to obtain favorable rulings and has become a significant issue, particularly in … Read more