Recusal

Texas Judge Steps Down From Death Row Case Amid Controversy and Calls for Recusal

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PALESTINE, Texas — A retired Texas judge who earlier this year authorized the execution of death row inmate Robert Roberson has stepped away from his case. The announcement was made in a court filing by Senior State District Judge Deborah Oakes Evans in Anderson County on Monday, though the reasons for her recusal were not specified. Roberson was condemned for the 2003 capital murder of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, who suffered from chronic health issues. Prosecutors argued that Roberson violently shook Nikki, leading to her death. Roberson, who was diagnosed with autism after his … Read more

Florida Judge Overseeing Trump Assassination Attempt Case Declines Recusal

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MIAMI — A Florida judge presiding over the case against a man charged with attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump has refused to step aside from the case, despite requests from the defense. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon stated that the defense’s request for her recusal was not grounded in valid reasons. The decision came after the defense argued that Judge Cannon should recuse herself because of previous rulings she had made in a separate case involving Trump. Cannon, who was appointed to the bench in 2020 during Trump’s presidency, found these arguments insufficient … Read more

Plaintiffs Seek Judge’s Recusal in Philadelphia Zantac Case Over Alleged Conflict of Interest

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Philadelphia, PA — A push for judicial recusal has emerged in a Philadelphia court as plaintiffs in the high-profile mass tort against antacid manufacturer Zantac claim potential bias due to the overseeing judge’s familial connection to the drugmaker’s legal representation. The plaintiffs argue this connection might affect the fairness of the proceedings. Judge Joshua Roberts of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas is at the center of the controversy after disclosures revealed that his wife, Shannon McClure, is a partner at Reed Smith, a firm involved in representing Zantac manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline in connected litigations. Though … Read more

Judge in Zantac Case Declines Recusal Despite Potential Conflict Over Spouse’s Employment

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Harrisburg, PA — A state judge in Pennsylvania presiding over a widespread lawsuit involving the heartburn medication Zantac ruled against a motion to step down from the case on Wednesday. The motion revolved around concerns raised by plaintiffs who questioned the judge’s impartiality due to his wife’s employment at a law firm representing the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline in unrelated cases. The judge, whose identity has not been disclosed, expressed his doubts regarding the plaintiffs’ assertion that his marital connection could subconsciously influence his judicial duties. He decided to continue overseeing the litigation, asserting his ability … Read more