IN RE: CONFIDENTIAL PARTY (2021)

Interim disqualification denied. See Order.

ORDER

Considering the Recommendation for Interim Disqualification filed by the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana, and the response thereto filed by the respondent judge,

IT IS ORDERED that, without reaching the merits, which are not before us at this time, the Judiciary Commission's recommendation for interim disqualification be and hereby is denied. In accordance with Supreme Court Rule XXIII, § 27(d), we deny respondent's motion to unseal the record. We remand this matter to the Judiciary Commission for further proceedings in accordance herewith.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, this _ day of _, 2021.

FOR THE COURT:

/s/ _

JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA

I respectfully dissent. Admittedly, this case presents itself in a unique posture, as the recommendation for interim disqualification is intricately intertwined with the merits of the proceeding which may be instituted by the Commission. Nevertheless, all of the relevant facts are undisputed. The issue on which the interim disqualification, and all subsequent proceedings, hinges is purely one of law. The respondent, the district that elected the respondent, the people who are called to court, and our system of justice deserve a fair and expeditious resolution of the significant and consequential issues presented herein.