Court Opinion

ID: 9726165
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 12:35:19.365227+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:25:23.785400
License: Public Domain

GRODIN, J.
I concur in the issuance of a peremptory writ. The real party in interest concedes that the dual roles of the district attorney in this case were, at least impliedly, approved by the Legislature, but argues that the legislative approval is constitutionally defective in that it creates a potential for conflict of interest such as would, or could, deprive his client of due process of law. Real party does not suggest, however, any plausible scenario for conflict that would operate to his detriment. Rather, the examples he offers of possible conflict (that the child’s welfare, for example, might require that the father be set free, or granted probation) suggest positions by the district attorney that would *523operate either to the benefit of the defendant or the detriment of the child. Such potential for conflict might well provide a basis for recusal of the district attorney in the juvenile court matter, but not in the criminal proceeding.
The petition of the real party in interest for a hearing by the Supreme Court was denied January 3, 1980. Bird, C. J. was of the opinion that the petition should be granted.