Title: In re Disqualification of Cunningham

State: ohio

Issuer: Ohio Supreme Court

Document:

[Cite as In re Disqualification of Cunningham, 100 Ohio St.3d 1216, 2002-Ohio-7470.] 
 
 
 
 
 
Opinion in Chambers, per Moyer, C.J. 
 
IN RE DISQUALIFICATION OF CUNNINGHAM. 
BOWLING v. BROADNAX. 
[Cite as In re Disqualification of Cunningham, 100 Ohio St.3d 1216, 2002-
Ohio-7470.] 
Judges — Affidavit of disqualification — Allegations of racial bias must be 
proved by clear and convincing evidence — Speculation and not evidence 
presented — Prejudice not shown. 
(No. 02-AP-018 — Decided February 27, 2002.) 
ON AFFIDAVIT OF DISQUALIFICATION in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, 
Division of Domestic Relations, case No. DR96000319. 
__________________ 
 
MOYER, C.J. 
{¶1} 
This affidavit of disqualification was filed by Walter Broadnax, 
seeking the disqualification of Judge Penelope Cunningham from further 
proceedings in the above-captioned case. 
{¶2} 
Affiant references several legal and procedural rulings made by 
Judge Cunningham in the underlying case and claims that these rulings are the 
product of racial bias on the part of the judge.  Allegations of racial bias are 
among the most serious and damaging claims that can be directed at a judge, since 
such allegations, if true, would not only constitute a violation of the judge’s oath 
of office and the Code of Judicial Conduct, see R.C. 3.23 and Canon 3(B)(5) of 
the Code of Judicial Conduct, but also would strike at the very heart of the 
integrity of the judiciary.  In order to warrant a judge’s disqualification, these 
SUPREME COURT OF OHIO 
2 
claims must be demonstrated by clear evidence that establishes the existence of 
bias.  Here, affiant provides no evidence, beyond speculation, to support his 
assertions that Judge Cunningham’s decisions are the product of bias and 
prejudice, racial or otherwise.  Indeed, affiant asserts that he “cannot say for 
certain if Judge Cunningham is using my race in making her decision.”  
Moreover, affiant’s apparent attempt in the opening paragraph of his affidavit to 
mischaracterize or misidentify the racial and professional background of his 
former wife casts serious doubt on the truthfulness of the balance of his affidavit. 
{¶3} 
In view of affiant’s failure to present clear evidence of bias on the 
part of Judge Cunningham, the affidavit of disqualification is found not well taken 
and is denied.  The case shall proceed before Judge Cunningham.