re: The judge who granted Bediako immediately eligible for Alabama is a Bama donor.

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Then let some other judge come to that conclusion. Conflicts of interest are major ethics issues.

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You think a judge should recuse himself

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Judicial conflict of interest rules require judges to disqualify themselves (recuse) whenever their impartiality might reasonably be questioned, such as having financial interests, personal biases, or close relationships with parties involved. Governed by 28 U.S. Code § 455 (federal) and the Code of Judicial Conduct, these rules ensure integrity, prohibiting the use of judicial office for private gain.

Key Rules and Guidelines
Mandatory Disqualification: A judge must disqualify themselves if they have a personal bias, knowledge of disputed facts, or a financial interest—however small—in the subject matter or a party.
Relationships: Conflicts arise if a judge’s spouse, domestic partner, or a person within the third degree of relationship to either is a party, lawyer, or has a substantial interest in the case.
Appearance of Impropriety: Judges must avoid activities that create an appearance of impropriety, ensuring their conduct remains impartial.
Financial Screening: Federal courts use automated screening to identify financial conflicts of interest. Rule of Necessity: In rare cases, a judge might be required to hear a case if no other judge is available, even if a conflict exists.

Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to recuse can lead to overturned decisions, sanctions, censure, or removal from office by judicial conduct commissions.

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Federal vs. State: The federal code applies only to lower federal courts (circuit, district, bankruptcy, etc.) and is maintained by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.

Adoption of Standards: While not bound by federal rules, nearly all states have adopted their own codes that are substantially similar to the ABA model, ensuring a common, high standard of ethical behavior.

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