True or False: A judge would be disqualified from hearing her brother's speeding ticket because they are related by consanguinity within the second degree.

True or False: A judge would be disqualified from hearing her brother's speeding ticket because they are related by consanguinity within the second degree.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (A)

Disqualification is required when a judge has a close familial relationship to someone involved in the case, to protect impartiality. Consanguinity within the second degree covers close blood relationships, like siblings. Because the judge would be hearing a case involving her brother, she cannot preside without risking bias or the appearance of bias, so she must recuse. This rule helps maintain public confidence that court decisions are made fairly and without family influence.

Disqualification is required when a judge has a close familial relationship to someone involved in the case, to protect impartiality. Consanguinity within the second degree covers close blood relationships, like siblings. Because the judge would be hearing a case involving her brother, she cannot preside without risking bias or the appearance of bias, so she must recuse. This rule helps maintain public confidence that court decisions are made fairly and without family influence.