When must a judge disqualify themselves from a proceeding?

A judge is required to disqualify themselves from a proceeding when their impartiality might reasonably be questioned. This standard emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of the judicial process and ensuring public confidence in the fairness of the legal system. The reasonable suspicion of bias or the potential for conflict of interest puts into question the judge's ability to provide an unbiased ruling, which is crucial in preserving the legitimacy of the court.

This principle is grounded in the ethical guidelines that govern judges, aiming to prevent any appearance of impropriety. Even if the judge believes they can rule fairly, the objective standard focuses on how their involvement would be perceived by an outside observer and whether that perception might undermine trust in the judicial system.

In contrast to the other options, public criticism alone does not automatically mandate disqualification unless it is accompanied by facts that could reasonably affect the judgment. Personal bias is indeed a valid reason for disqualification, but it specifically necessitates a demonstration of bias that impacts the case at hand. Lastly, the mere presence of a witness does not inherently call for disqualification unless there are specific circumstances that would raise questions about the judge’s ability to be impartial regarding that witness.