Opinion ID: 6976547
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Recusal rulings

Text: Finally, we consider IOF’s challenge to the district judge’s refusal, on IOF’s motion, to recuse herself on IOF’s supported assertion that the judge’s former husband, while an employee of DLJ, had engaged in improper business practices that led to termination of his employment by DLJ, a criminal conviction, and disbarment. 28 U.S.C. § 455(a) provides: “Any justice, judge, or magistrate of the United States shall disqualify himself in any proceeding in which his impartiality might reasonably be questioned.” 28 U.S.C. § 455(a) (1993). “[J]udges determine appearance of impropriety ... by examining the record facts and the law, and then deciding whether a reasonable person knowing and understanding all the relevant facts would recuse the judge.” Securities & Exchange Comm’n v. Drexel Burnham Lambert Inc. (In re Drexel Burnham Lambert Inc.), 861 F.2d 1307, 1313 (2d Cir.1988). In declining to recuse herself, the district judge opined for the record that: The facts cited in the Plaintiffs papers do not describe a situation where “impartiality might reasonably be questioned.” The facts cited occurred a decade ago, and years before the herein alleged incidents. The Court has absolutely no knowledge of the facts alleged herein and the facts cited by the Plaintiff do not affect the present action. The Court finds that the facts cited by the Plaintiff in no way affect the Court’s judgment or partiality in this case towards either party. (J.A. 686.) We find no abuse of discretion in this ruling. See Apple, 829 F.2d at 333.