Opinion ID: 867436
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Other Arguments for Disqualification

Text: In addition to these arguments, Mr. Scheehle also briefly argues that the individual justices should recuse because (1) he has filed a complaint against the individual justices with the Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct resulting from their failure to recuse themselves in this matter, and (2) the named defendant justices previously recused themselves when a question was earlier certified in this same matter.
Mr. Scheehle asserts that the individual justices are disqualified from deciding this matter because he has filed a complaint against each of them with the Commission on Judicial Conduct resulting from their failure to recuse. As far as we can discern, every state that has considered the question, including Arizona, has determined that a complaint to the Commission on Judicial Conduct alone does not require recusal. The mere fact that a complaint has been made against a judge alleging the judge is biased and cannot be impartial does not require automatic disqualification or recusal by the judge. If this were so any party or attorney could easily disrupt court proceedings at any time by filing a complaint against the judge. Disqualification Considerations When Complaints Are Filed Against Judges, Op. 98-2 Ariz. Supreme Ct. Jud. Ethics Advis. Comm. (Mar. 24, 1998) (quoting Shaman et al., Judicial Conduct and Ethics § 4.06 (2d ed.1995)); see also Op. No. 98-04 Wash. Ethics Advis. Comm. (Apr. 20, 1998); Op. 45 Calif. (Jan. 23, 1997). Thus, Mr. Scheehle's complaint against the justices with the Commission on Judicial Conduct does not alone merit disqualification.