Jennifer Greene
New Member
Posts:35
07 Jan 2021 05:28 PM |
|
Filed on behalf of: Committee of Presiding Judges c/o Administrative Office of the Courts 1501 W. Washington, Suite 411 Phoenix, AZ 85007 (602) 452-3301 [email protected] Would abrogate the rules authorizing a change of judge as matter of right that are found in the criminal, civil, family law, eviction, and justice court procedural rules, and would amend or abrogate related provisions in those or other rules. Filed: January 7, 2021 Comments must be submitted on or before Monday, May 3, 2021. Replies must be submitted on or before Tuesday, June 1, 2021.
|
|
|
|
James_Smith
New Member
Posts:4
22 Jan 2021 01:10 PM |
|
I endorse the petition. As it noted, peremptory changes of judge don't exist in most states or federal court. Nonetheless, those courts function and provide impartial jurists. Likewise, our appellate courts don't offer litigants the opportunity to strike an appellate judge or justice; the ARCAP implicitly recognize the impartiality of all appellate jurists unless a party shows cause. What's more, litigants can abuse the right to such challenges. In civil cases, a party opposing a time-sensitive provisional remedy may file a notice on the eve of a hearing. The problem may be more pronounced in election cases, which often have tight deadlines. An election litigant may file his/her notice of change of judge the morning of the return hearing, which leads to a new assignment and later hearing date. The parties and the court lose valuable time while the case is reassigned and a new hearing scheduled. Arizona should join the majority of states and the federal system by eliminating peremptory changes of judge. James D. Smith No. 016760 101 W. Jefferson St. No. 814 Phoenix AZ 85003 (602) 372-5945
|
|
|
|
Charles B. Williamson, esq.
New Member
Posts:2
29 Jan 2021 05:26 PM |
|
I oppose this petition, particularly as it pertains to changing the Rules of Civil Procedure. The rationale expressed in this petition applies almost exclusively to dilatory tactics in criminal and juvenile courts, especially in outlying counties. There are no such problems in civil court, especially in Maricopa and Pima Counties. I will point out the footnote on page 2 … although we appear to be in the minority of the 18 states that allow changes as a matter of right, ALL states in the 9th Circuit (except HI) remain in the so-called "minority." Further, 5 of the 18 states (CA, ID, IN, NV, and TX) only require a showing of cause for criminal cases, while still allowing the notice without cause in civil. I welcome the criminal attorneys to chime in, but from my perspective, following these 5 states is a reasonable compromise if in fact this rule is abused in criminal courts. The only comment in the petition itself that appears to pertain to the civil practice states that “[a]nother unintended consequence of these rules is that they can operate to hide the truth when a judge needs to be removed for cause or needs to address deficiencies in areas such as judicial demeanor or knowledge of the law.” If that is a concern, then add a requirement that any party who chooses to notice a judge as a matter of right under ARCP 42.1 must separately and confidentially articulate their reasons for doing so to the JPR Commission within a reasonable time frame. But the question of whether to allow a notice should not hinge upon whether there is adequate cause. The prior comment about the dangers of keeping Rule 42.1 stating "a party opposing a time-sensitive provisional remedy may file a notice on the eve of a hearing" is misleading. Rule 42.1(c)(4) clearly states that where the Parties have received at least 5 days notice of a proceeding -- which would be the vast majority of proceedings in civil cases -- any notice of change of judge is ineffective if filed within 3 days of that proceeding. Combined with the many other limitations within the Rule, especially where a Judge may not be noticed after ruling on a contested issue, there are adequate and fair protections in place. Our firm has personally only noticed a Judge once in the last 10 years, and we may not need to do it at all in the next 10 years, but I am grateful that Rule 42.1 exists as it is currently written, and I hope it remains to ensure that our clients have reasonable access to justice. Charles B. Williamson Clausen & Williamson PLLC 2999 N. 44th St. #318 Phoenix, AZ 85018 (602) 285-4450
|
|
|
|
Don
New Member
Posts:1
04 Feb 2021 01:09 PM |
|
I echo Charles Williamson's comment and oppose the petition so far as it applies to civil cases. Donal Burnett (#028800) Burnett Law Office, PLC 1744 S. Val Vista Dr., #208 Mesa, AZ 85204 480-347-9116
|
|
|
|
Yolanda Fox
Basic Member
Posts:229
05 Feb 2021 02:29 PM |
|
I am opposed to the petition, particularly the portion that proposes to delete the peremptory change of judge for civil cases. I have practice civil trial law for the last 33 years, primarily in Maricopa County. My experience that a change of judge is only rarely employed in Maricopa County in civil matters. In fact, it is far more common for judges to recuse themselves or to be rotated to different calendars during the course of the matter, sometimes shortly before trial. The Commission on Trial Court Appointments generally does a fine job, but litigants deserve the opportunity to get a different judge in the rare instances where counsel believes a judge is not right for a case. The general belief among lawyers in the community seems to be that certain judges account for nearly all the peremptory notices in a given time frame because of a widespread belief in the bar that the judge is biased or incompetent. If that is in fact the case, the better solution would be to solve the problem with the judge, rather than to take away the rights of the litigants. Matthew P. Millea Millea Law Firm 301 East Bethany Home Road Suite B-100 Phoenix, Arizona 85020 (480) 367-1921
|
|
|
|
PCBA
New Member
Posts:11
25 Feb 2021 01:51 PM |
|
The Pima County Bar Association opposes this Petition. Please see attached comment. Commenter: James W. Rappaport Committee: Pima County Bar Association, Rules Committee Mailing address: 177 North Church Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 Phone Number: 520-623-8258 Email address: [email protected] Bar Number: 031699
|
|
|
|
Haralambie
New Member
Posts:1
11 Mar 2021 07:50 PM |
|
Ann M. Haralambie 3661 N. Campbell Avenue, PMB #130 Tucson, AZ 85719 (520) 327-6287 I believe I posted a comment this morning, but it does not appear to have gone through. I oppose this amendment as it would apply to family law cases. Family law matters, especially concerning child custody (now known as legal decision-making and parenting time) are highly discretionary. Even if they heard the same evidence and made identical findings of fact, different judges might enter very different orders. Given the greatly deferential appellate review, parties have no effective recourse. Because of the degree of discretion involved in custody matters, judges' personal life experiences, philosophies regarding parental autonomy vs. child protection, inherent biases, etc. particularly affect how particular judges might rule in custody cases. I have practiced family and child welfare law for 44 years and rarely exercise a peremptory notice of change of judge (and see them only rarely from other Pima County attorneys). But it remains an important tool and enhances public confidence in the judicial system. It has been many years since I practiced criminal and general civil law, but I would urge you to leave the peremptory challenge in place for family law cases.
|
|
|
|
Brian A. Laird, Tucson
New Member
Posts:1
20 Mar 2021 07:11 PM |
|
I join those who oppose this proposed rule change, particularly the well-reasoned comments by Charles B. Williamson and Matthew Millea, and by James Rappaport and Abbe Goncharsky on behalf of the Pima County Bar Association. In the civil arena, Rule 42.1 provides important procedural protections for citizens against unintentional and unconscious biases by judges. Anyone who does not understand that such biases exist should read Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman, in which the Nobel prize laureate explains the clinical evidence proving the existence of hard-wired systems in the human brain that lead to unconscious decision-making errors. It should be compulsory reading for all justices, judges, and attorneys. The committee’s unsupported allegations of racial, gender, or religious biases against judges are deeply troubling. If the presiding judges or the ad hoc committee have evidence of such serious wrongful conduct, they should report it in detail. In the absence of evidence, the remarks are inflammatory rhetoric, arguably in violation of Rule 1.2 of the Arizona Code of Judicial Conduct, and accordingly should be withdrawn. This is particularly true because the judges seek to abrogate rules that provide protection for litigants against biases, perceived or actual. If the alleged biases against judges based on race, gender, or religion are merely imagined, and not supported by evidence, we are presented with an unintended irony: the committee credits its own perceptions of biases in attorneys and litigants against judges, while refusing to acknowledge that attorneys and litigants may have similar valid perceptions about judges. The committee of presiding judges is composed of 13 white men and two white women. It is indeed an interesting time when a powerful committee of all white judges raises the specter of alleged racial bias in support of its attempt to abrogate rules that provide protections to litigants. Also troubling is the committee’s complaint that judges are prohibited from looking into the reasons for an attorney filing a notice under Rule 10.2. Why should judges even care if they get “bumped”? Move on to the next case. There is plenty of work to be done. The possibility of a bar complaint is strong deterrent to any attorney who would falsely state that a notice of change of judge is filed in good faith when it is not, and the state bar is perfectly capable of investigating any such charge. The notion that a judge would take a personal interest in such a matter only serves to illustrate the need to preserve these rules. Brian A. Laird Laird Law PLLC 3573 E. Sunrise drive, Suite 215 Tucson, AZ 85718 (520) 230-8878
|
|
|
|
JAH117
New Member
Posts:1
22 Mar 2021 02:34 PM |
|
Jilyane Acevedo Henry (#032117) Stromfors Law Office 3200 N. Dobson Rd. Ste D-1 Chandler, AZ 85224 480-237-1276 I echo the sentiments opposing the rule change to strike the change of judge rule. I agree with comments made by Brian Laird, Charles Williamson, Ann Haralambie and the Pima County Bar Association. Unfortunately, there is a significant amount of discretion in the court with regard to the interpretation of laws. While it would be ideal to have more uniformity, no two courtrooms are the same. In one court, a party may obtain a more favorable spousal maintenance or parenting time ruling than in another court - regardless of the stated laws. COVID has highlighted the need for change of judge filings like no other time. Though every judge should be given the benefit of the doubt as it comes to their ability to impartially decide matters, judges are human and bring with them the experiences they have used to build their careers and lives. While there are many other reasons - not elaborated here - results based on the same/similar fact patterns before different judges often yield different results. Until we can remove this variable, without the need for litigants to spend thousands/years on appeals (which most cannot afford), the change of judge option is the most reasonable option available.
|
|
|
|
Lisa Hobson
New Member
Posts:1
26 Mar 2021 07:35 PM |
|
Lisa Hobson, Esq. (#032110) P.O. Box 20858 Sedona, AZ 86341 (928) 300-5480 I oppose permanent change to challenge of judge by right, Rule 4, Family Law Rules of Procedure. The temporary hold on challenge as of right has already negatively effected one of my cases during COVID. I have been practicing Family Law in Yavapai County since 2015. There is no pool of judges that your case will be randomly assigned to here in small town USA. So to have it assigned to one you know is not going to be favorable to your client, or cause; and you have no facts to assert bias, is like a death sentence for your case. It's too difficult to prove bias ,then you are stuck with the judge you just papered ;and how do you think that's going to effect the judge? One of the things that an experienced attorney is highly compensated for, is knowing your judge and being able to advise your client about that judge - strategy. Family law practitioners have already been run over once with the infiltration of legal paraprofessionals. We don't need another slap in the face. It seems that the reason behind abrogation of this rule are for the convenience of the system; and that is not a good reason at all. Lisa Hobson, Esq.
|
|
|
|
Kay L. Radwanski
New Member
Posts:11
12 Apr 2021 06:20 PM |
|
Honorable Charles W. Gurtler, Jr., Presiding Judge Superior Court in Mohave County 2225 Trane Road Bullhead City, AZ. 86442 Chair, Committee on Superior Court Staff: [email protected] Telephone (602) 452-3360 The Committee on Superior Court (“COSC”) has authorized the Honorable Charles W. Gurtler, Jr., chair, to file this comment regarding Petition No. R-21-0006 on its behalf. COSC conducted a special meeting on April 2, 2021, to address various rule petitions. The committee voted unanimously, with the six members who are presiding judges abstaining, to support adoption of Petition R-21-0006. For the reasons stated by the petitioners, COSC respectfully asks the Court to adopt Petition R-21-0006.
|
|
|
|
Greg Sakall
New Member
Posts:5
20 Apr 2021 11:50 AM |
|
Hon. Greg Sakall (021310) Judge, Division 23 Pima County Superior Court 110 West Congress St. Tucson, AZ 85701 (520) 724-8301 [email protected] Comment attached on behalf of the Hon. Greg Sakall, along with Andrew Jacobs, the Hon. Kenneth Lee, and the Hon. Richard Gordon.
|
|
|
|
Lynn Goar
New Member
Posts:2
22 Apr 2021 04:44 PM |
|
I am opposed to these suggested changes. The right to change a judge once as a matter of right is a longstanding procedure. It allows parties to avoid a judge that it may have had problems with in the past. While it may not rise to the level of a change of judge for cause, it eliminates hard feelings and increases trust in the system. In the average civil case, I see no downside to the current system. If there are problems in specific types of cases, as in emergency hearings or election matters, the rule could be narrowly amended to account for those. Lynn Goar 1955 W. Grant Rd., Ste. 125G Tucson, AZ 85745 520-740-1447 [email protected]
|
|
|
|
Annette
New Member
Posts:5
24 Apr 2021 02:45 PM |
|
I oppose this change and the peremptory right to one change of judge should be preserved in family court cases. I support and endorse the Comments filed by Judge Sakall in opposition to this Rule change, and I support and endorse the Comment in opposition to be filed by the Arizona chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). Annette Burns, Attorney State Bar No. 009871 4808 North 22nd Street, Suite 200 Phoenix, Arizona 85016 [email protected]
|
|
|
|
Kristina Matthews
New Member
Posts:1
24 Apr 2021 05:22 PM |
|
I oppose this rule change. Practicing in both the criminal and the family arena as well as federal court where there is no such rule, I find it to be one of the better aspects of state court versus federal. It is not abused and oftentimes necessary to ensure a fair adjudication in all types of practices. I share the sentiment of most lawyers, the AAML, and the Pima County Bar. Kristina Matthews, #023467 Matthews Law Firm 5505 W Chandler Blvd Ste 5 Chandler, AZ 85226 (480) 256-0256
|
|
|
|
MBower
New Member
Posts:1
26 Apr 2021 12:45 PM |
|
I oppose this Rules Petition and the peremptory right to change of judge should be preserved in family court cases. I support and endorse the Comment in opposition filed by the Arizona chapter of AAML. Melissa Kleminski Bower [email protected] 777 E. Thomas Road, Suite 210 Phoenix, AZ 85014.
|
|
|
|
Robert Schwartz
New Member
Posts:1
26 Apr 2021 06:36 PM |
|
Robert Schwartz 1850 North Central Avenue Suite 1400 Phoenix, AZ 85004 [email protected] 602-285-5020 There is no logical reason to remove the litigants right to a peremptory challenge for change of Judge. This is especially true in family law cases. The feeling of Judicial bias runs very strong in these cases and affects the litigants perception of being able to receive a fair hearing/trial. All Judges have particular bias and opinions regarding discretionary matters. Litigants should retain the right to change a Judge that they feel may be pre-disposed to certain issues. I strongly oppose removing such right
|
|
|
|
John Bolt
New Member
Posts:1
26 Apr 2021 06:59 PM |
|
I oppose this change and the peremptory right to one change of judge should be preserved in family court cases. I support and endorse the Comments filed by Judge Sakall in opposition to this Rule change, and I support and endorse the Comment in opposition to be filed by the Arizona chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). John R. Bolt State Bar No. 003534 730 E. Cool Mist Dr. Oro Valley, AZ 85755 [email protected]
|
|
|
|
Dana Levy
New Member
Posts:1
26 Apr 2021 08:30 PM |
|
I oppose this change and the peremptory right to one change of judge should be preserved in family court cases. I support and endorse the Comment in opposition to be filed by the Arizona chapter of the AAML. Dana M. Levy, #016249 1850 North Central Suite 1400 Phoenix, Arizona 85004 [email protected]
|
|
|
|
Annette
New Member
Posts:5
27 Apr 2021 12:50 PM |
|
The Comment in opposition to R-21-0006 filed by the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) is attached. Filed by Annette Burns on behalf of Arizona Chapter, AAML 4808 North 22nd Street, Suite 200 Phoenix, Arizona 85016 602-230-9118 [email protected]
|
|
|
|