Linda Cook v. Ben Hosseinzadeh et al.

Summary

The United States District Court for the Western District of Washington affirmed Judge John H. Chun’s denial of Linda Cook’s motions for recusal and reassignment. The court held that Cook’s challenge to the constitutional validity of Judge Chun’s nomination did not establish bias or provide a valid basis for recusal under 28 U.S.C. §§ 144 and 455.

Holdings

1. A party cannot create a valid basis for judicial recusal merely by filing a reassignment motion or making conclusory allegations challenging the judge's qualifications or prior rulings; Plaintiff's motion and nomination challenge did not establish grounds for recusal.
2. The court found no evidence that would lead a reasonable person to question Judge Chun's impartiality and affirmed his denial of Plaintiff's motions for recusal and reassignment.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Plaintiff's motion for reassignment and challenge to Judge Chun's nomination created a valid basis for recusal under 28 U.S.C. §§ 144 or 455.
2. Whether the record contained evidence that would cause a reasonable person with knowledge of all the facts to question Judge Chun's impartiality.

Disposition

affirmed