Summary
This Ohio Supreme Court order addresses a motion to disqualify Judge Carole Squire following allegations by plaintiffs' counsel that she used demeaning and hostile language during a November 2003 hearing. Although no transcript exists, the Chief Justice notes that the ensuing public dispute between the judge and attorney has created an appearance of bias and impaired their ability to work objectively. Consequently, the court grants the disqualification and remands the case for reassignment to ensure fair proceedings.
Topics
Practice areas
Questions Presented
- Whether Judge Carole Squire should be disqualified from further proceedings in the domestic relations case due to alleged bias and lack of courtesy.
Holdings
- Judge Carole Squire is disqualified from further proceedings in the matter and the case is returned to the administrative judge for reassignment.
Key quotations
“a judge, “notwithstanding the conduct of litigants or counsel, has an ethical obligation to conduct himself or herself in a courteous and dignified manner that does not convey the appearance of bias or prejudice toward litigants or their attorneys.”” (*1222)
Factual background
Attorney Alex J. Pomerants alleged that Judge Carole Squire made demeaning and hostile remarks to him during a November 2003 hearing, questioning his preparation and conduct. The judge acknowledged the comments but denied hostility. No transcript of the conversation exists, and the dispute has continued through written exchanges and prior grievances.
Procedural history
The attorney filed an affidavit seeking disqualification of Judge Carole Squire; the Supreme Court of Ohio considered the motion and issued an order.
Remand instructions
The case is returned to the administrative judge of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division, for reassignment.