83: Recuse Yourself - Pt 3: A Fair Fight for a Fair Court

When should a judge step aside? Most people can agree that when a judge’s family member appears in court, it’s the judge’s responsibility to bow out. Or, if a judge stands to profit directly from the outcome of the ruling — that’s pretty cut and dry, too. But what about this: can a judge remain impartial when a case concerns a person or group that contributed money, sometimes millions of dollars, to help that judge get elected? What then? As more and more money floods into judicial elections across the nation, states are grappling with this question. Perhaps none more than Wisconsin, where, like many states, the final decision whether or not to step aside is left for the judge to determine. Reporter Chloe Prasinos has our story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices