Opinion ID: 72909
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Bias Issue

Text: Plaintiffs also contend that Judge Moore's rulings and comments throughout the case illustrate a lack of impartiality that warrants a new trial and his disqualification from participation in further proceedings. They assert that, at trial, Judge Moore showed 6 Of course, we do not condone Perez’s apparent failure to disclose fully and in a timely fashion his role in connection with the case as a former law clerk for Judge Moore. Nor do we mean to intimate any view on whether his failure to do so might be subject to sanction in another forum. 29 impermissible bias against the plaintiffs, often acting as advocate for the defense in front of the jury.7 Plaintiffs also contend that Judge Moore showed antipathy towards “Miami lawyers.”8 Bias sufficient to disqualify a judge normally must stem from extrajudicial sources and must be focused against a party to the proceeding. See Hamm v. Board of Regents, 708 F.2d 647, 651 (11th Cir. 1983). None of the statements that plaintiffs have offered meet that standard. While the negative comments about “Miami lawyers” may be inappropriate, they do not require recusal. Cf. Philips v. Joint Legislative Com., 637 F.2d 1014, 1020 (5th Cir. Unit A Feb. 1981) (holding recusal not necessary despite improper remarks to parties in previous cases). A party may establish bias sufficient to disqualify a judge by demonstrating “such pervasive bias and prejudice that it constitutes bias against a party.” Id. After reviewing the trial record, we conclude that Judge Moore’s comments at trial fail even to approach that level. Therefore, he did not abuse his discretion in refusing to recuse himself from further proceedings. 7 When plaintiffs’ counsel attempted to inquire about a former bank employee’s statement that the hotel mortgage was “in an amount far in excess of the value of the hotel,” Judge Moore interjected, stating, “I don’t think he said ‘far in excess.’” Although plaintiffs point to other comments that Judge Moore made during the trial, such as his statement, “Counsel, we don’t need all of this background,” none of these comments reasonably could be construed as indicating to the jury how they should view the evidence. Therefore, we fail to see how making the comments amounted to acting as an advocate. 8 The most critical statement that Judge Moore made at trial occurred when he admonished plaintiffs’ counsel for referring to Perez as the “bank’s lawyer.” Judge Moore stated, “[Y]ou sure remind me of my days in Broward County fifteen years ago when the Miami lawyers came up there. I don’t appreciate snide remarks that are being made. . . .” 30