Court Opinion

ID: 9682997
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 13:20:20.163833+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:17:43.807637
License: Public Domain

*281OPINION ON REHEARING
ANDERSON, Justice.
Appellant, Howard Ludlow, raises two points in Ms motion for rehearing challenging our analysis and disposition of points of error one and two concerning the ruling on Lud-low’s motion to recuse the trial judge. Ap-pellees, Scott DeBerry, Scott DeBerry Interests, Inc., and Falcon Products, Inc., have also filed a motion for rehearing. We overrule both motions for rehearing, but issue an opmion on rehearing addressing Ludlow’s concerns regarding points of error one and two.
Ludlow first argues that we erred in overruling point of error one, which challenged Judge Steib’s refusal to recuse the trial judge under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 18b(2)(a). As a second ground for rehearing, Ludlow claims we erred in overruling point of error two in which Ludlow complained of Judge Steib’s determination that Rule 18b(2)(a) did not state a separate ground for recusal.
A short summary of the facts pertinent to the recusal motion will aid our discussion. In moving for recusal, Ludlow primarily complained about the trial judge’s comments to the jury after the jurors had rendered their verdict and been dismissed. As the jury was leaving the courtroom, the judge angrily stated that their verdict was the worst he had ever seen. Jurors were upset about tMs comment and contacted Ludlow’s attorney. Ludlow’s attorney then filed a motion to recuse the trial judge.
In response to Ludlow’s complaints, De-Berry argued that recusal was inappropriate unless Ludlow established extrajudicial bias on the part of the judge. In our original opinion, we agreed with DeBerry and held that Ludlow had not shown the judge’s actions emanated from an extrajudicial source. Accordingly, we overruled points of error one and two. Ludlow now contends we erroneously decided point of error one under authority concerning Rule 18b(2)(b) rather than 18b(2)(a). Ludlow not only disputes the authority we cited, but chastises us for failing to cite other authority.1 We have reviewed Ludlow’s arguments and authority and we find our original disposition of points of error one and two was correct.
Ludlow contends we should have applied the reasonable person standard enunciated in Rogers v. Bradley, 909 S.W.2d 872 (Tex.1995), which Ludlow maintains is the standard applicable to complaints under Rule 18b(2)(a). The main “opinion” in Rogers is a declaration of recusal by Justice Gammage, not joined by any other justice. Id. at 873-878 (including declaration and appendix). The standard to wMch Ludlow cites is found in Justice Enoch’s response to the declaration of recusal. Id. at 878-884 (response regarding recusal). Neither the declaration nor the response is an opinion of a majority of the court and we hesitate to hold that the discussion by Justice Enoch is controlling authority.
In some instances, Texas appellate courts have applied the reasonable person standard in determining whether a recusal motion should have been granted. See, e.g., Keene Corp. v. Rogers, 863 S.W.2d 168 (Tex.App.—Texarkana 1993, writ stayed); Aguilar v. Anderson, 855 S.W.2d 799, 804-05 (Tex.App.—El Paso 1993, writ denied) (Osborn, J. concurring opinion). A reasonable person standard makes sense because the rule provides for recusal where a judge’s impartiality might reasonably be questioned. Tex.R. Civ. P. 18b(2)(a). However, in applying the reasonable person standard we continue to believe we must determine whether the alleged act indicating bias or impartiality emanated from an extrajudicial source.2
*282In our original opinion, we relied on Liteky v. U.S., 510 U.S. 540, 114 S.Ct. 1147, 127 L.Ed.2d 474 (1994) and Grider v. Boston Co., Inc., 773 S.W.2d 338, 346 (Tex.App.—Dallas 1989, writ denied). Both eases discuss the extrajudicial source rule and its application where recusal is sought based on in-eourt statements or rulings. On rehearing, Lud-low contends that Liteky is inapplicable because it concerns “actual bias occurring within the context of the judicial proceeding.” Because Liteky concerned an allegation of bias or prejudice, Ludlow claims Liteky is no authority for a claim for recusal under Rule 18b(2)(a). Ludlow asserts that he challenged the trial judge’s impartiality under Rule 18b(2)(a), regarding whether a judge’s impartiality might reasonably be questioned, rather than the Rule 18b(2)(b) ground concerning bias on the part of the judge.
Ludlow misconstrues Liteky. The first sentence in the opinion states that the Court is determining whether the extrajudicial source rule applies to the rule in 28 U.S.C. 455(a) requiring recusal “in any proceeding in which [a judge’s] impartiality might reasonably be questioned.” 510 U.S. at 541,114 S.Ct. at 1150. This federal ground for recu-sal is identical to Rule 18b(2)(a). Thus, we find Liteky applicable to this ease.
As the United States Supreme Court’s opinion indicates, the federal ground for recusal, regarding questions as to a judge’s impartiality, is a broad ground, encompassing many more specific grounds. Liteky, 510 U.S. at 553-554 n. 2,114 S.Ct. at 1156 n. 2. We believe this is true of Rule 18b(2)(a) as well. See William W. Kilgarlin & Jennifer Bruch, Disqualification and Re-cusal of Judges, 17 St. Maey’s L.J. 599, 635 (1986) (stating that the grounds such as those found in Rule 18b(2)(b)-(e) are instances where a judge’s impartiality might reasonably be questioned). Although Rule 18b(2)(b)-(g) address specific instances where the judge may be found to be partial or biased, Rule 18b(2)(a) provides a broad ground, regarding reasonable questions as to the judge’s impartiality. This broad ground may encompass actions other than those specifically enumerated in sections (b)-(g). Consequently, we do not construe Rule 18b(2)(a) as a discrete ground, completely separate and unrelated to 18b(2)(b) regarding bias on the part of the judge.3
Disagreeing with our construction of the rule, Ludlow insists that Rogers and Kirby v. Chapman, 917 S.W.2d 902 (Tex.App.—Fort Worth 1996, no writ), which cites to Rogers, are controlling. As we have already discussed, the portion of Rogers to which Lud-low cites is not an opinion by a majority of the Texas Supreme Court. Indeed, in Rogers only two justices articulated their views on recusal; neither the Chief Justice nor the other six justices revealed their views on the issue. Furthermore, both Rogers and Kirby concern challenges to judges’ impartiality based, not on in-court statements and rulings, but on political support during the judges’ candidacy for election or appointment to office. Rogers, 909 S.W.2d at 873-874 (challenge based on justices’ appearance and statements made in video produced by Texas Medical Association political action committee); Kirby, 917 S.W.2d at 908 (child custody case where child’s uncle, a senator, supported trial judge’s appointment to bench and attorney from senator’s law firm participated at trial). We find these cases factually distinguishable from the case at bar.
Ludlow cannot escape the effect of Liteky and Grider by focusing on the term “bias” and ignoring the factual basis for the courts’ application of the extrajudicial source rule. In determining whether to apply the extrajudicial source rule when a litigant cites Rule 18b(2)(a), a court must consider the facts upon which recusal is sought. In this ease, Ludlow sought recusal based on the trial judge’s demeanor and in-court statements. The statements occurred while the case was pending before the judge. Regard*283less of how a litigant phrases his motion to recuse or on which section of Rule 18b(2) he relies, the extrajudicial source rule applies to a recusal motion, such as the one in this case, that targets judicial statements regarding the case and made during the course of proceedings.4
Applying the extrajudicial source rule to the facts of this case, we find Ludlow did not meet the burden of proof required to show an abuse of discretion. The action complained about by Ludlow arose during the pendency of the trial court proceedings. Ludlow has not shown that these statements emanated from any source other than the judge’s opinion based on his perception of the evidence presented. None of the actions by Judge Chambers indicate such a “high degree of favoritism or antagonism as to make fair judgment impossible.” Liteky, 510 U.S. at 555, 114 S.Ct. at 1157.
Ludlow also argues that we should have found Judge Steib’s refusal to recuse the trial judge per se error. Ludlow claims that the rationale behind Rule 18(b)(2)(a) is Canon 3 of the Code of Judicial Conduct,5 entitled “Performing the Duties of Judicial Office Impartially and Diligently.” This canon sets forth the standards that apply to a judge in performing his adjudicative or administrative responsibilities. For example, Canon 3A(8) provides that a judge shall abstain from public comment about a pending case in a manner which “suggests to a reasonable person the judge’s probable decision on any particular case.” Texas Supreme CouRt, Code of JUDICIAL Conduct, Canon 3A(8) (1989) (amended 1992, 1994) [hereinafter Tex.Code of Judicial Conduct, Canon 3 (1989) (amended 1992, 1994) ]. A judge must also perform his judicial duties without bias or prejudice. Tex.Code of Judicial Conduct, Canon 3A(9) (1989) (amended 1992,1994).
Ludlow contends that violation of any of the standards set out in Canon 3 is impartiality per se.6 Ludlow compares the force and effect to be given these canons to the force and effect of rules of civil and appellate procedure; however, Ludlow cites no authority for this contention.7 Furthermore, Lud-low cites no authority for his primary contention that a violation of a canon requires recusal and the refusal to recuse is per se error.
Several of the directives under Canon 3A use the word “shall.”8 Ludlow argues that the use of mandatory language indicates that these directives are nondiscretionary standards of conduct and that a violation mandates recusal. To be sure, there is authority for removal of a judge for violating the code,9 *284but we locate no authority for mandatory recusal where the challenged actions are in-court statements or rulings.
Although a number of the directives in Canon 3 are mandatory and assist in determining when a trial judge’s impartiality may reasonably be questioned, the determination whether to grant or deny a recusal motion, regardless of the ground asserted, is within the discretion of the judge assigned to hear the motion and-this determination must stand unless the assigned judge abused his discretion. See Tex.R. Civ. P. 18a(f). As discussed by the Supreme Court in Liteky, a trial judge necessarily forms opinions based on the evidence presented in a case. See Liteky, 510 U.S. at 550-552, 114 S.Ct. at 1155. A judge’s opinion, produced properly and necessarily during the course of the proceedings, does not render the trial judge recusable for bias or impartiality. Id. Although it is inappropriate to shout these opinions to the jurors after they have rendered their verdict, nothing in the record shows that the opinions uttered by the judge in this case arose from anything other than hearing the evidence and witnesses presented at trial. Indeed, the judge in this case denied the defendants’ motion for directed verdict and allowed the jury to render a verdict. After a verdict has been rendered, however, a judge is within his power to act on his opinions by granting a motion for new trial or even to order a new trial on his own motion. Tex. R. Civ. P.S20.10
Based on the evidence presented at the recusal hearing, Judge Steib could have determined that the outburst in front of the jury was improper, but not an action requiring recusal because he was not presented with any evidence it emanated from an extrajudicial source or revealed deep-seated and unequivocal antagonism that rendered fair judgment impossible. Finding no abuse of discretion, we adhere to our original decision to overrule points of error one and two, as clarified herein.

. Ludlow also complains that we cite to a provision of the Code of Judicial Conduct that was not in effect at the time this lawsuit was filed. We agree with Ludlow as to this complaint and delete any reference to Canon 8A of the Code of Judicial Conduct as the wording of that canon as cited in our opinion was not effective until March 2, 1994.

. The extrajudicial source rule is applied where recusal is sought based on a judge’s in-court statements or rulings. Liteky v. U.S., 510 U.S. 540, 550-552, 114 S.Ct. 1147, 1155, 127 L.Ed.2d 474, (1994). If the remarks or rulings arise from and occur during the case proceedings, they do not emanate from an extrajudicial source and are not recusable actions unless they display a deep-seated favoritism or antagonism that would *282make fair judgment impossible. Id. at 550-556, 114 S.Ct. at 1155-1157.

. Case law frequently defines the "impartiality” standard as used in Rule 18b(2)(a) as avoidance of the appearance of judicial bias. See Rogers, 909 S.W.2d at 882 (referring to "judicial bias" in discussion of recusal under Rule 18b(2)(a)); Aguilar, 855 S.W.2d at 802 (after quoting language from Rule 18b(2)(a), court refers to bias necessitating recusal).

. The majority in Liteky stated the following to exemplify the applicable standard to be applied under 28 U.S.C. § 455(a): “Thus, judicial remarks during the course of a trial that are critical or disapproving of, or even hostile to, counsel, the parties, or their cases, ordinarily do not support a bias or partiality challenge. They may do so if they reveal an opinion that derives from an extrajudicial source; and they will do so if they reveal such a high degree of favoritism or antagonism as to make fair judgment impossible .... Not establishing bias or partiality, are expressions of impatience, dissatisfaction, annoyance, and even anger, that are within the bounds of what imperfect men and women, even after having been confirmed as federal judges, sometimes display." 510 U.S. at 555-556, 114 S.Ct. at 1157 (emphasis in original).

. Because this case was filed before the effective date of the 1994 Code of Judicial Conduct, we refer to the prior code.

. Ludlow urges us to find that a violation of the Code of the Judicial Conduct should result in recusal on a per se basis, much like violation of a statute or ordinance can result in a finding of negligence per se. See Nixon v. Mr. Property Mgmt. Co., Inc., 690 S.W.2d 546, 549 (Tex.1985)(discussing negligence per se).

. Ludlow cites to the Black’s Law Dictionary definition of “canon.” We, however, are unpersuaded by this authority. Other authority cited by Ludlow concern the rules of procedure and do not mention the canons regarding judicial conduct.

. For example, Canon 3A(8) states that a "judge shall abstain from public comment about a pending or impending proceeding....” TexCode of Judicial Conduct, Canon 3A(8) (1989) (amended 1992, 1994).

. In 1984, the Texas Constitution was amended to provide the following:
Any Justice or Judge of the courts established by this Constitution or created by the Legislature as provided in Section 1, Article V. of this Constitution, may, subject to the other provisions hereof, be removed from office for ... willful violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct. ...
*284Tex. Const, art. 5, § 1-a (6). By making a willful violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct a ground for removal of a judge, the constitutional amendment elevated the importance of the Code. See Kilgarlin & Bruch, supra, at 635.

. If the defendants had filed a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict, the judge would have been within his power to grant it and enter judgment in much the same manner as he did in this case. See TexR. Civ. P. 301. The granting of a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict or a motion for new trial may indicate the judge’s disagreement with the juiy verdict, but such non-vocal disagreement is permitted and the judge may not be recused even though a juror might find such action by the judge objectionable. See TexR. Civ. P. 301, 320. A juror’s impression, under such circumstances, that the judge was impartial would not mandate recusal because the rules specifically allow the judge to express his disapproval of the verdict by granting motions for new trial or for judgment notwithstanding the verdict.