First published at 14:30 UTC on April 8th, 2023.
Good morning, I’m still reporting on the coup.
Another black mark for Judge Juan Merchan, the judge overseeing the Manhattan criminal case against former President Donald Trump.
It appears that Judge Merchan, in 2020, made illegal campaign contri…
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Good morning, I’m still reporting on the coup.
Another black mark for Judge Juan Merchan, the judge overseeing the Manhattan criminal case against former President Donald Trump.
It appears that Judge Merchan, in 2020, made illegal campaign contributions to Trump's political opponents, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) records.
According to the Epoch Times it appears that Judge Merchan made small donations in 2020 to the "Biden for President" campaign, the "Progressive Turnout Project," and the "Stop Republicans" group.
Impartiality is a cornerstone of the legal system. Judges are expected to remain neutral and not exhibit any bias towards any party in a case. The principle of impartiality ensures that justice is served fairly and equitably.
Section 100.5 of the New York Code of Judicial Conduct prohibits sitting judges from "directly or indirectly engaging in any political activity," except to vote, identify themselves as a member of a political party, and comment "on behalf of measures to improve the law, the legal system or the administration of justice." Prohibited political activity includes "…soliciting funds for, paying an assessment to, or making a contribution to a political organization or candidate."
The American Bar Association's Model Code of Judicial Conduct also states that, unless permitted by law, a judge shall not "solicit funds for, pay an assessment to, or make a contribution to a political organization or a candidate for public office."
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