If the judge has a history with, even hugging, the accused; I’d be concerned that they might be more lenient with their sentencing than they would a stranger. Especially if they’re back for the third time
Yes but I don’t see her gaining anything from being lenient. I don’t think being vaguely familiar with someone and wishing them well is enough to establish a conflict of interest.
Isn’t this a huge conflict of interest?
She recused herself from the second case, due to the conflict of interest from getting closer to the accused after the first case.
That’s a neat thought, but the connection between them is probably trivial enough to not be objectionable.
What her interest here?
If the judge has a history with, even hugging, the accused; I’d be concerned that they might be more lenient with their sentencing than they would a stranger. Especially if they’re back for the third time
Yes but I don’t see her gaining anything from being lenient. I don’t think being vaguely familiar with someone and wishing them well is enough to establish a conflict of interest.