Court Won’t Disqualify Judge in Murder Case
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The California Supreme Court rebuffed an attempt Thursday by the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office to disqualify Superior Court Judge Terry Green from hearing contempt proceedings against Michael Duarte, a prosecutor accused of misconduct.
Duarte allegedly concealed evidence from the defense during a capital murder case, in violation of a court order.
Citing the alleged misconduct, Green granted a new trial last month for Kenneth Leighton, who had been convicted of the first-degree murders of two West Hills witnesses.
Prosecutors argued that Green was biased against Duarte, but an appellate court disagreed. The state’s highest court declined to review the appellate decision.
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