Descalificación de jueces en juicios penales

Explicación Simple

Un juez puede decidir no ser parte de un juicio si cree que no puede ser justo. También, si alguien lo pide, debe dejar de ser el juez si tiene un problema que le impide ser imparcial.

Es como cuando un árbitro en un partido de fútbol se da cuenta de que es amigo de uno de los equipos y decide no dirigir el partido para que todo sea justo.

Ejemplo Práctico

Imagina que en un juicio, la defensa descubre que el juez tiene un familiar muy cercano al demandante. Entonces, la defensa presenta una solicitud escrita para que el juez no dirija el caso, asegurándose de que haya un juez imparcial.

Penalidades

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Texto Original del Estatuto (Inglés)

§ 15A-1223. Disqualification of judge. (a) A judge on his own motion may disqualify himself from presiding over a criminal trial or other criminal proceeding. (b) A judge, on motion of the State or the defendant, must disqualify himself from presiding over a criminal trial or other criminal proceeding if he is: (1) Prejudiced against the moving party or in favor of the adverse party; or (2) Repealed by Session Laws 1983 (Regular Session 1984), c. 1037, s. 6. (3) Closely related to the defendant by blood or marriage; or (4) For any other reason unable to perform the duties required of him in an impartial manner. (c) A motion to disqualify must be in writing and must be accompanied by one or more affidavits setting forth facts relied upon to show the grounds for disqualification. (d) A motion to disqualify a judge must be filed no less than five days before the time the case is called for trial unless good cause is shown for failure to file within that time. Good cause includes the discovery of facts constituting grounds for disqualification less than five days before the case is called for trial. (e) A judge must disqualify himself from presiding over a criminal trial or proceeding if he is a witness for or against one of the parties in the case. (1977, c. 711, s. 1; 1983 (Reg. Sess., 1984), c. 1037, s. 6.)