AG v Barra Hotel [2000] JRC 71 (17 April 2000)

AG v Barra Hotel [2000] JRC 71 (17 April 2000)

The familial relationship between the Bailiff and the Attorney General, without more, does not give rise to a real danger of bias or personal embarrassment sufficient to require recusal. The Bailiff is able to perform his judicial duties impartially, and the Attorney General has no personal interest in the outcome. The objection is without substance.

Citation
[2000] JRC 71
Parties
Prosecutor: Attorney General; Defendant: Defendant Company
Jurisdiction
Jersey
Judgment Date
17 April 2000
Procedural Posture
Criminal Prosecution / Recusal Application Ruling
Outcome
recusal application dismissed
Legal Topics
Judicial Recusal, Apparent Bias, Family Relationship and Judicial Impartiality

Case Brief

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Parties

Attorney General

Prosecutor

Defendant Company

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Prosecution / Recusal Application Ruling

  1. 1 Whether the Bailiff should recuse himself due to his brother being the current Attorney General, in whose name the prosecution is brought
  2. 2 Whether a reasonable and well-informed person would apprehend a real danger of bias

Ratio Decidendi

The familial relationship between the Bailiff and the Attorney General, without more, does not give rise to a real danger of bias or personal embarrassment sufficient to require recusal. The Bailiff is able to perform his judicial duties impartially, and the Attorney General has no personal interest in the outcome. The objection is without substance.

Court Disposition

recusal application dismissed

Orders

  • The Bailiff declined to recuse himself and will continue to preside over the trial.